This study was sponsored by CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences,No. 2018-I2M-1-002.

All methods described here have been approved by the ethics committee of the Beijing Hospital. Indications and contraindications for surgery are according to the European Association of Urology guidelines for upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma.
1. Instruments for Operation
<ol>
	<li>Ensure the availability of the laparoscopic imaging system, images of the pneumoperitoneum, and ultrasonic scalpel.</li>
</ol>
2. Preparation for Operation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the patient with a bowel cleansing before the operation. Have the anesthesiologist perform an anesthesia risk assessment of the patient prior to surgery. Have patients taking aspirin before surgery stop taking it.</li>
	<li>Prepare the skin around the surgical site.</li>
	<li>Preoperatively administer an intravenous antibiotic 30 min before the operation to all patients. Use cefuroxime sodium 1.5 g with 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution.</li>
	<li>Before administering general anesthesia, lay the patient down on the operating table.</li>
	<li>After general anesthesia, place the healthy side of the patient in a 60&#176; recline at the waist, so the patient is in a V-shaped position on the operating table.</li>
</ol>
3. Procedure
<ol>
	<li>Place trocars (see Figure 1).
	<ol>
		<li>Begin the operation with the patient in the right lateral position.</li>
		<li>Establish pneumoperitoneum by inserting a pneumoperitoneal needle using the Veress method. Maintain the pneumoperitoneum pressure at 14 mmHg.</li>
		<li>Implant a trocar at the umbilical level near the outer edge of the left rectus abdominis muscle. Then, insert the laparoscope.</li>
		<li>Place the other trocars.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Treat the kidney and upper and middle ureters.
	<ol>
		<li>Rotate the operating bed axially so that the patient is in an ~80&#176;&#8211;90&#176; lateral position. 
		NOTE: This position allows for the intestines to fall to the side, which better exposes the renal hilum for treatment.</li>
		<li>Dissect the peritoneum on the affected side and fully release the colon downwards.</li>
		<li>Free and clamp the ureter at the distal end of the tumor with a vascular closure clip and then dislodge upwards along the ureter until reaching the renal hilum level.</li>
		<li>Treat the renal artery and renal vein successively and completely free the kidney.</li>
		<li>Free the ureter to the external vascular level.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Treat the terminal ureter.
	<ol>
		<li>Rotate the operating bed axially so that the patient is in a 50&#176; lateral position. 
		NOTE: This position is optimal for surgery inside the pelvic area and avoids having the surgeon operate in a position that is too low.</li>
		<li>Open the anterior peritoneum of the ureter with an ultrasonic scalpel and after crossing the iliac vessels, identify the umbilical medial iliac crest, where the umbilical artery is located6 (Figure 2).</li>
		<li>Cut the medial iliac crest so that the artery can reach the outside of the bladder (Figure 3).</li>
		<li>Clamp and cut the distal end of the vascular structure as is the norm. Free the bladder until the ureter enters the bladder.</li>
		<li>Cut the entire layer of the bladder wall at the upper side of the ureteral junction. Suture the full layer of the bladder with 3-0 absorbable thread to indicate and provide traction to see the normal bladder mucosa5,7.</li>
		<li>Remove the ureteral bladder wall segment and part of the bladder mucosa with a scalpel. While making the incision, completely suture the bladder wall with absorbable lines (Figure 4).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Take out the specimen.
	<ol>
		<li>Load the surgical specimen into the specimen bag.</li>
		<li>According to the conditions, extend the incision for cannula A and take out the specimen.</li>
		<li>Layer off each incision.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Postoperative care.
	<ol>
		<li>Let the patient lay in bed for approximately 1 h postoperatively in the care unit until he or she completely wakes up from anesthesia.</li>
		<li>Meanwhile, monitor the patient and ensure that oxygen is available during this time.</li>
		<li>When the patient completely wakes up, return the patient to the ward. Pay attention to the color and volume of the urine and abdominal drainage. Pay attention to the presence of any abdominal signs and symptoms (e.g., stomachache and peritoneal irritation).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Roupret, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=European+guidelines+for+the+diagnosis+and+management+of+upper+urinary+tract+urothelial+cell+carcinomas:+2011+update.">European guidelines for the diagnosis and management of upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinomas: 2011 update.</a> European Urology. 59 (4), 584-594 (2011).</li><li>Ristau, B. T., Tomaszewski, J. J., Ost, M. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Upper+Tract+Urothelial+Carcinoma:+Current+Treatment+and+Outcomes.">Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Treatment and Outcomes.</a> Urology. 79 (4), 749-756 (2012).</li><li>Ni, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laparoscopic+Versus+Open+Nephroureterectomy+for+the+Treatment+of+Upper+Urinary+Tract+Urothelial+Carcinoma:+A+Systematic+Review+and+Cumulative+Analysis+of+Comparative+Studies.">Laparoscopic Versus Open Nephroureterectomy for the Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis of Comparative Studies.</a> European Urology. 61 (6), 1142-1153 (2012).</li><li>Ghazi, A., Shefler, A., Gruell, M., Zimmermann, R., Janetschek, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Novel+Approach+for+a+Complete+Laparoscopic+Nephroureterectomy+with+Bladder+Cuff+Excision.">A Novel Approach for a Complete Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy with Bladder Cuff Excision.</a> Journal of Endourology. 24 (3), 415 (2010).</li><li>Hiroshi, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+Laparoscopic,+Hand-Assisted,+and+Open+Surgical+Nephroureterectomy.">Comparison of Laparoscopic, Hand-Assisted, and Open Surgical Nephroureterectomy.</a> Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons. 18 (2), 288-293 (2014).</li><li>Ni, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laparoscopic+Versus+Open+Nephroureterectomy+for+the+Treatment+of+Upper+Urinary+Tract+Urothelial+Carcinoma:+A+Systematic+Review+and+Cumulative+Analysis+of+Comparative+Studies.">Laparoscopic Versus Open Nephroureterectomy for the Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis of Comparative Studies.</a> European Urology. 61 (6), 1142-1153 (2012).</li><li>Seisen, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Systematic+Review+and+Meta-analysis+of+Clinicopathologic+Factors+Linked+to+Intravesical+Recurrence+After+Radical+Nephroureterectomy+to+Treat+Upper+Tract+Urothelial+Carcinoma.">A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinicopathologic Factors Linked to Intravesical Recurrence After Radical Nephroureterectomy to Treat Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.</a> Journal of Urology. 67 (6), 1122-1133 (2015).</li><li>Michael, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+oncologic+outcome+after+laparoscopic+radical+nephroureterectomy+for+upper+tract+transitional+cell+carcinoma.">Long-term oncologic outcome after laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.</a> European Urology. 6 (51), (2007).</li><li>Terakawa, T. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retroperitoneoscopic+nephroureterectomy+for+upper+urinary+tract+cancer:+a+comparative+study+with+conventional+open+retroperitoneal+nephroureterectomy.">Retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract cancer: a comparative study with conventional open retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy.</a> Journal of Endourology. 22 (8), 1693-1699 (2008).</li><li>Gkougkousis, E. G., Mellon, J. K., Griffiths, T. R. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Management+of+the+Distal+Ureter+during+Nephroureterectomy+for+Upper+Urinary+Tract+Transitional+Cell+Carcinoma:+A+Review.">Management of the Distal Ureter during Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma: A Review.</a> Urologia Internationalis. 85 (3), 249-256 (2010).</li><li>Li, C. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Significant+Predictive+Factors+for+Prognosis+of+Primary+Upper+Urinary+Tract+Cancer+after+Radical+Nephroureterectomy+in+Taiwanese+Patients.">Significant Predictive Factors for Prognosis of Primary Upper Urinary Tract Cancer after Radical Nephroureterectomy in Taiwanese Patients.</a> European Urology. 54 (5), 1127-1135 (2008).</li><li>Cormio, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simultaneous+radical+nephroureterectomy+and+transurethral+distal+ureter+balloon+occlusion+and+detachment.">Simultaneous radical nephroureterectomy and transurethral distal ureter balloon occlusion and detachment.</a> World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 12 (1), 345 (2014).</li><li>Waldert, M., Remzi, M., Klingler, H. C., Mueller, L., Marberger, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+oncological+results+of+laparoscopic+nephroureterectomy+for+upper+urinary+tract+transitional+cell+cancer+are+equal+to+those+of+open+nephroureterectomy.">The oncological results of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell cancer are equal to those of open nephroureterectomy.</a> Bju International. 103 (1), 66-70 (2010).</li><li>Liu, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Novel+and+Simple+Modification+for+Management+of+Distal+Ureter+During+Laparoscopic+Nephroureterectomy+Without+Patient+Repositioning:+A+Bulldog+Clamp+Technique+and+Description+of+Modified+Port+Placement.">A Novel and Simple Modification for Management of Distal Ureter During Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy Without Patient Repositioning: A Bulldog Clamp Technique and Description of Modified Port Placement.</a> Journal of Endourology. 30 (2), 195-200 (2016).</li><li>Xylinas, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impact+of+distal+ureter+management+on+oncologic+outcomes+following+radical+nephroureterectomy+for+upper+tract+urothelial+carcinoma.">Impact of distal ureter management on oncologic outcomes following radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.</a> European Urology. 65 (1), 210-217 (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

A traditional open renal ureter resection and bladder cuff-like resection mostly involve upper and lower incisions, which require changing positions and disinfecting the surgical towels twice. The operation time is long, and the amount of trauma is large. Laparoscopic renal ureter and bladder sleeve resection have been gradually adopted by urologists since minimally invasive surgery techniques have been widely used in urology8. The methods for laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and radical resection ...

Radical nephroureterectomy is a standard procedure for treating upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC)1. Traditional open surgery requires two large incisions in the lower abdomen, which is associated with a large amount of trauma and many complications2. With the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques in urology, laparoscopic surgery has been gradually applied in many research studies. Laparoscopic surgery is identical to open surgery in treating the tumors, so the traditional surgical methods have gradually been replaced by laparoscopic surgery3.
In laparoscopic surgery, treatment of the terminal ureter has been an area of focus and a known difficulty of the surgery. At present, different choices exist for treating the ureteral end in laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. However, reductions in the difficulty of the surgery and the amount of trauma has not been possible4,5.
After years of exploration, our center has improved and adopted a new method for the treatment of the terminal ureter: precutting the medial umbilical fold not only increases the operating space but also reduces the difficulty of the surgery and minimizes extra trauma to the patient.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Laparoscopic imaging system</td>
			<td>STORZ</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pneumoperitoneum</td>
			<td>STORZ</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic scalpel</td>
			<td>Johnson</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vascular closure clip</td>
			<td>Hem-o-Lock</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

technical modification of the terminal ureter during total transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment procedure. At present, different choices still exist for treating the ureteral end during laparoscopic ureteral bladder sleeve resection. Our center has adopted a new method for treating the ureteral end. This new method can increase the operating space and reduce the difficulty of the surgery compared with current methods.

In total, 87 patients underwent surgery without difficulties, and there were no open surgeries. The average age of the patients was 67.25 &#177; 9.90 years. Within this group, there were 47 cases of renal pelvic cancer, 10 cases of pelvic cancer with ureteral cancer, and 30 cases of ureteral cancer (10 cases of upper ureteral cancer, 9 cases of middle ureteral cancer, and 11 cases of lower ureteral cancer). In total, 49 cancers were on the left side and 38 cancers were on the right side. The average tumor diameter was 3....

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma at JoV

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Here, we present a protocol to increase the surgical field of view and reduce the difficulty of total transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery by precutting the umbilical ligament before treating the terminal ureter.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment ...

technical-modification-terminal-ureter-during-total-transperitoneal

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7.6K Views.  The Joint Unit of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Here, we present a protocol to increase the surgical field of view and reduce the difficulty of total transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery by precutting the umbilical ligament before treating the terminal ureter.

Video: Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy of the Urinary Tract: The Technique

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an emerging optical imaging technology that enables real-time in vivo microscopy of mucosal surfaces during standard endoscopy. With applications currently in the respiratory1 and gastrointestinal tracts,2-6 CLE has also been explored in the urinary tract for bladder cancer diagnosis.7-10 Cellular morphology and tissue microarchitecture can be resolved with micron scale resolution in real time, in addition to dynamic imaging of the normal and pathological vasculature.7
The probe-based CLE system (Cellvizio, Mauna Kea Technologies, France) consists of a reusable fiberoptic imaging probe coupled to a 488 nm laser scanning unit. The imaging probe is inserted in the working channels of standard flexible and rigid endoscopes. An endoscope-based CLE system (Optiscan, Australia), in which the confocal endomicroscopy functionality is integrated onto the endoscope, is also used in the gastrointestinal tract. Given the larger scope diameter, however, application in the urinary tract is currently limited to ex vivo use.11 Confocal image acquisition is done through direct contact of the imaging probe with the target tissue and recorded as video sequences. As in the gastrointestinal tract, endomicroscopy of the urinary tract requires an exogenenous contrast agent&mdash;most commonly fluorescein, which can be administered intravenously or intravesically. Intravesical administration is a well-established method to introduce pharmacological agents locally with minimal systemic toxicity that is unique to the urinary tract. Fluorescein rapidly stains the extracellular matrix and has an established safety profile.12 Imaging probes of various diameters enable compatibility with different caliber endoscopes. To date, 1.4 and 2.6 mm probes have been evaluated with flexible and rigid cystoscopy.10 Recent availability of a &lt; 1 mm imaging probe13 opens up the possibility of CLE in the upper urinary tract during ureteroscopy. Fluorescence cystoscopy (i.e. photodynamic diagnosis) and narrow band imaging are additional endoscope-based optical imaging modalities14 that can be combined with CLE to achieve multimodal imaging of the urinary tract. In the future, CLE may be coupled with molecular contrast agents such as fluorescently labeled peptides15 and antibodies for endoscopic imaging of disease processes with molecular specificity.

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy enables real-time microscopy of the human urinary tract during cystoscopy, providing dynamic, intravital imaging of pathological states such as bladder cancer with cellular resolution. Endomicroscopy may augment the diagnostic accuracy of standard white light endoscopy and provide intraoperative image guidance to improve surgical resection.

Probe-based  confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an emerging optical imaging technology  that enables real-time in vivo microscopy of mucosal surfaces ...

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) are exposed. The proximal infrarenal aorta and the distal aorta are dissected for clamp placement and needle puncture, respectively. Special attention is paid to avoid dissection between the aorta and the IVC. After clamping the aorta, a 25 G needle is used to puncture both walls of the aorta into the IVC. The surrounding connective tissue is used for hemostatic compression. Successful creation of the AVF will show pulsatile arterial blood flow in the IVC. Further confirmation of successful AVF can be achieved by post-operative Doppler ultrasound.

The goal is to produce an arteriovenous fistula that is simple and reproducible. This method does not use sutures or glue adhesive. Therefore the samples can be used with the least amount of foreign materials for analysis.

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta ...

Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology

We describe an in vitro method to measure bladder smooth muscle contractility, and its use for investigating physiological and pharmacological properties of the smooth muscle as well as changes induced by pathology. This method provides critical information for understanding bladder function while overcoming major methodological difficulties encountered in in vivo experiments, such as surgical and pharmacological manipulations that affect stability and survival of the preparations, the use of human tissue, and/or the use of expensive chemicals. It also provides a way to investigate the properties of each bladder component (i.e. smooth muscle, mucosa, nerves) in healthy and pathological conditions.
The urinary bladder is removed from an anesthetized animal, placed in Krebs solution and cut into strips. Strips are placed into a chamber filled with warm Krebs solution. One end is attached to an isometric tension transducer to measure contraction force, the other end is attached to a fixed rod. Tissue is stimulated by directly adding compounds to the bath or by electric field stimulation electrodes that activate nerves, similar to triggering bladder contractions in vivo. We demonstrate the use of this method to evaluate spontaneous smooth muscle contractility during development and after an experimental spinal cord injury, the nature of neurotransmission (transmitters and receptors involved), factors involved in modulation of smooth muscle activity, the role of individual bladder components, and species and organ differences in response to pharmacological agents. Additionally, it could be used for investigating intracellular pathways involved in contraction and/or relaxation of the smooth muscle, drug structure-activity relationships and evaluation of transmitter release.
The in vitro smooth muscle contractility method has been used extensively for over 50 years, and has provided data that significantly contributed to our understanding of bladder function as well as to pharmaceutical development of compounds currently used clinically for bladder management.

This manuscript presents a simple, yet powerful, in vitro method for evaluating smooth muscle contractility in response to pharmacological agents or nerve stimulation. Main applications are drug screening and understanding tissue physiology, pharmacology,&#160;and pathology.

We describe an in vitro method to measure bladder smooth muscle contractility, and its use for investigating physiological and pharmacological properties ...

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

The incidence of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is increasing due to the aging population, resulting in a significant economic and quality of life burden. Transgenic and other mouse models have been developed to recreate various aspects of this multifactorial disease; however, methods to accurately quantitate urinary dysfunction and the effectiveness of new therapeutic options are lacking. Here, we describe a method that can be used to measure bladder volume and detrusor wall thickness, urinary velocity, void volume and void duration, and urethral diameter. This would allow for the evaluation of disease progression and treatment efficacy over time. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane, and the bladder was visualized by ultrasound. For non-contrast imaging, a 3D image was taken of the bladder to calculate volume and evaluate shape; the bladder wall thickness was measured from this image. For contrast-enhanced imaging, a catheter was placed through the dome of the bladder using a 27-gauge needle connected to a syringe by PE50 tubing. A bolus of 0.5 mL of contrast was infused into the bladder until a urination event occurred. Urethral diameter was determined at the point of the Doppler velocity sample window during the first voiding event. Velocity was measured for each subsequent event yielding a flow rate. In conclusion, high frequency ultrasound proved to be an effective method for assessing bladder and urethral measurements during urinary function in mice. This technique may be useful in the assessment of novel therapies for BPH/LUTS in an experimental setting.

We describe the use of high frequency ultrasound with contrast imaging as a method to measure bladder volume, bladder wall thickness, urine velocity, void volume, void duration, and urethral diameter. This strategy can be used to assess voiding dysfunction and treatment efficacy in various mouse models of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).

The incidence of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is increasing due to the aging population, resulting ...

Technical Detail for Robot Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic platform, including three-dimensional vision, wristed instruments, and improved ergonomics, allow the surgeon to recapitulate the principles of open pancreatoduodenectomy allowing safe oncologic dissection, hemostasis, and meticulous reconstruction. Over the course of the past decade, significant strides have been achieved in outlining the safety, feasibility, and learning curve of the robotic Whipple. When performed by high volume pancreatic surgeons experienced in RPD, recent comparative effectiveness studies show potential advantages compared to the open technique, including reductions in hospital stay and morbidity. National data also show reductions in conversion rates compared to its laparoscopic counterpart. Although long-term oncologic data are still needed, short-term oncologic surrogates of margin resection and lymph node harvest suggest no compromise in oncologic outcomes. As pancreatic surgeons increasingly integrate robotics into their practice, proficiency-based training and credentialing will be necessary for the safe application and dissemination of RPD. Here, we provide the detailed steps of a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.&#160;

The following manuscript details a stepwise approach to the robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic ...

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma in patients desiring fertility is complicated by the need to balance maximal resection of disease with efforts to spare normal ovarian cortex. Optimization of tubal anatomy is another frequent consideration. Fertility-sparing laparoscopic techniques at the time of cystectomy for ovarian endometrioma seek to limit iatrogenic surgical damage to the ovarian cortex and strategically assess and respond to genital tract patency. Surgical candidates frequently desire relief from endometriosis-associated pain while also seeking to optimize spontaneous or assisted conception rates. Operative benefits include potential for surgical and histopathologic diagnosis of endometriosis, evaluation of genital tract patency, and treatment of visualized lesions. Resection of ovarian endometrioma nonetheless poses significant risks, including surgical injury, blood loss, post-surgical decline in ovarian reserve and post-operative inflammation with adhesion formation, both of which may impair folliculogenesis.
We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with known endometriosis and continued pain refractory to medical management who opted for surgical management of her disease tailored toward optimizing her chances at future conception. Using this case as an example, we describe techniques and considerations for diagnostic laparoscopy, adhesiolysis, ovarian cystectomy, chromopertubation, and salpingectomy with a focus on maintaining a fertility-preserving approach.

This protocol presents techniques to laparoscopically excise ovarian endometrioma, to perform adhesiolysis with sparing electrosurgical application, and to employ intraoperative chromopertubation to assess for genital tract patency. This systematic approach will facilitate optimal endometriosis management, guide concomitant adnexal surgeries, and enhance post-surgical fertility outcomes.

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma in patients desiring fertility is complicated by the need to balance maximal resection of disease with efforts ...

Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, we propose that a concomitant laparoscopic oocyte retrieval for cryopreservation is performed. Oocyte retrieval is pursued at the beginning of the laparoscopy. Right and left 5 mm trocars are positioned, through which a 17 G ovum aspiration needle is used for puncture of the right and left ovaries, respectively. To facilitate exposure of the follicles, the ovaries are mobilized and held with laparoscopic forceps.
When aspirating multiple follicles near each other, the needle tip is retained in the ovary to reduce the number of times that the ovarian cortex is transfixed and due to the inherent risk of bleeding. Subsequent steps are unchanged compared to the Davydov laparoscopic modified technique for vaginoplasty. Prior to surgery, controlled ovarian stimulation is performed with a gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist protocol, and the concomitant procedure of oocyte retrieval and vaginoplasty is scheduled 36 h after the final follicular maturation trigger. Follicular fluid is collected in the same 10 mL sterile tubes used during transvaginal oocyte retrieval and transferred in a warming block (37 &#176;C) to the assisted reproduction laboratory, where mature (metaphase II) oocytes are vitrified.
In this case, a series of 23 women with MRKH, oocytes were successfully retrieved and cryopreserved in all patients; vaginoplasty was subsequently conducted without modifications, and the inpatient and outpatient postoperative care (day of urinary catheter removal, day of hospital discharge, dilator use, and comfort at follow-up) remained unaffected. One postoperative complication occurred in one patient (fever developing on day 5 post surgery and intraperitoneal fluid detection on transabdominal ultrasound) and resolved after conservative treatment. Rather than performing surgical vaginoplasty and delaying oocyte retrieval in MRKH patients, this approach combines both procedures in a single laparoscopy, thereby minimizing surgical invasiveness and anesthesiologic risks.

A dedicated team can offer Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser patients the option to perform controlled ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation at the time of laparoscopic vaginoplasty.

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, ...

Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is widespread among the female population and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. It is important to restore apical support for treating POP. Sacrocolpopexy and pectopexy are indicated for apical prolapse. Using a synthetic mesh in these techniques increases success by enhancing apical support. However, the implantation of synthetic mesh is associated with mesh-related complications. In addition, the exorbitant cost of synthetic mesh and lack of universal access limit the popularity of these procedures. The current study develops a unique technique known as laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy (LNMCP), in which permanent cervical cerclage sutures are embedded in the round ligament until the iliopectineal ligament. The iliopectineal ligament was sutured, resulting in a firm cervical suspension. The procedure was successfully performed in 16 cases in the hospital. The surgical duration was 67.8 min &plusmn; 15.5 min, and the blood loss was 73.1 mL &plusmn; 51.1 mL. No procedural complications were seen. LNMCP is associated with an objective success rate of 100% and a subjective success rate of 93.8%. LNMCP for patients with apical prolapse obviates the need for a mesh, thereby avoiding complications associated with mesh erosion and reducing medical costs. In addition, it is easy to perform even in resource-poor areas without access to synthetic mesh.

The present pilot study describes the development of laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The procedure can be used to prevent any complications associated with the use of mesh.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is widespread among the female population and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. It is important to restore ...

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Patients with a Previous History of Biliary Tract Surgery

For recurrent choledocholithiasis, abdominal adhesions in previous surgeries lead to changes in anatomical structures, and a secondary injury occurs easily when performing another operation for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), which was once considered a relative contraindication. In view of the limitations of the current surgical technique, this study summarized the surgical approaches and crucial anatomical landmarks for reoperation for LCBDE. Four general surgical approaches were proposed to expose the common bile duct, including the ligamentum teres hepatis approach, the anterior hepatic duodenal ligament approach, the right hepatic duodenal ligament approach, and the hybrid approach. Additionally, this study highlighted seven crucial anatomical landmarks: the parietal peritoneum, the gastrointestinal serosa, the ligamentum teres hepatis, the inferior margin of the liver, the gastric antrum, the duodenum, and the hepatic flexure of the colon, which were helpful to safely separate abdominal adhesions and expose the common bile duct. Moreover, to shorten the time of choledocholithotomy, a sequential method was innovatively applied for the removal of the stones in common bile duct. Mastering the above surgical approaches, including identifying crucial anatomical landmarks and adopting the sequential method will improve the safety of reoperation for LCBDE, shorten the operation time, promote the fast recovery of patients, reduce postoperative complications, and contribute to the popularization and application of this technique.

Programmed surgery based on surgical methods and anatomical markers helps shorten the operation time, reduce complications, and improve the safety of the surgery. This study investigated and summarized the surgical methods and anatomic markers of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with a history of biliary tract surgery.

For recurrent choledocholithiasis, abdominal adhesions in previous surgeries lead to changes in anatomical structures, and a secondary injury occurs ...

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Currently, the common approaches to thyroid surgery include conventional thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast, axillary, retroauricular, and oral vestibule approaches. Essentially, various approaches to thyroid surgery only move the traditional surgical incision to a more concealed position but still leave scars on the body surface. Among them, thyroid surgery via the oral vestibule approach can obtain the best cosmetic outcome through the shortest natural cavity. However, in the early time, thyroid surgery via the oral vestibule approach usually requires three incisions in the mouth and one axillary incision. We have introduced a robotic surgical system into thyroidectomy via the oral vestibule approach and successfully completed total thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph node dissection. During the operation, only three incisions were made at the oral vestibule without an axillary incision. This article aims to present the unique three-port method of robotic thyroidectomy via oral vestibule for the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

The transoral robotic total thyroidectomy and bilateral central regional lymph node dissection using three ports without axillary incision are feasible and safe for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma. Here we present the operative techniques of this operation.

Currently, the common approaches to thyroid surgery include conventional thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast, axillary, retroauricular, and oral ...