Glove-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a novel technique.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has not yet met with widespread acceptance due to its degree of technical difficulty. The laparoscopic radical nephrectomy procedure was improved with the aid of an abdominal wall sealing device, a wound retractor, and a surgical glove.

METHODS

A 5 cm skin incision was made at the beginning of the operation. The Alexis wound retractor S was set up through this small incision. The wrist portion of the surgical glove (size 8-0) was then used to cover the outer ring of the wound retractor to maintain pneumoperitoneum. The surgeon can use most of the usual surgical instruments through the wound retractor during the laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

These procedures were successfully conducted in all cases without open conversion, and no postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Glove-assisted laparoscopic surgery can be used to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures. This new technique made laparoscopic abdominal surgery easier and safer for beginners in laparoscopic surgery and skilled surgeons in open surgery.