Endoscopic Extraperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy - part 7 docx

Chapter 7 J U. Stolzenburg ∙ R. Rabenalt ∙ M. Do ∙ E. Liatsikos 7 112 If during the bladder neck dissection a bladder neck-preserving technique is not feasible, a bladder neck recon- struction at a 12 o’clock position is deemed necessary at this point. Use a running suture with the same needle and suture material. Alternatively, single stitches can be placed. Make sure that the stitches are full thickness on the bladder wall. The anastomosis is now continued laterally on both sides. On the left side (9 o’clock) the stitches are thrown backhand–backhand and on the right side (3 o’clock) forehand–forehand, as shown. These stitches are rela- tively easy to perform and should be performed in one step (stitch the bladder and urethra in one move). Chapter 7 113 Technique of EERPE – Step by Step When suturing the urethra these stitches (11 o’clock and 1 o’clock) should not include the whole tissue of the urethra. They should embrace the Santorini plexus, connective tissue and puboprostatic ligament (not through the mucosa and the musculature of the urethra), thus avoiding any damage to the external (urethral) sphincter and its blood supply and finally fixing the “new” bladder neck to its anatomical position (not shown). After conclusion of the stitching process the catheter must be moved to make sure that there is no entrap- ment within the suture lines (very rare). The water-tightness of the anastomosis is finally checked by filling the bladder with 200 ml sterile water. Lateral and ventral leaks can be managed by additional suturing. In the case of a major posterior leak the anastomosis needs to be opened and performed again. The final two anastomotic sutures are placed at 11 and 1 o’clock positions (left side: backhand–backhand, right side: forehand–forehand). For the 11 o’clock stitch the needle holder is introduced through the right medial 5-mm trocar (on the assistant’s side). This stitch is thrown backhand at the bladder neck and backhand at the urethra, and can be performed in one or two moves. For knot tying the needle holder is moved back to its ini- tial position. Chapter 7 J U. Stolzenburg ∙ R. Rabenalt ∙ M. Do ∙ E. Liatsikos 7 114 In approximately 5–8% of patients treated with EERPE there is a need for concomitant repair of unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia. We prefer a standardised totally extraperitoneal technique, which uses the principle of tensionless hernia repair, overlaying the entire myopectineal orifice with one large piece of mesh. A 10×15- cm polypropylene mesh is placed in the preperitoneal space covering both direct and indirect hernial orifices at the end of the prostatectomy. The technique is described here. In direct hernias, the hernial sac (peritoneum) is found medial to the epigastric vessels. At the end of the procedure, a 16-F Robinson drainage catheter is placed into the retropubic space on the left side of the anastomosis. We do not recommend the placement of the drainage on top of the anastomosis. Fi- nally, the endoscopic bag containing the specimen is retracted through the 12-mm trocar site at the end of the procedure. Depending on the size of the prostate the skin and fascia incision may have to be enlarged. The drain is removed 24–48 h after the procedure. Five days postoperatively cystography is performed, and if there is no anastomotic leak the urethral catheter is removed. 7.7 EERPE and Hernia Repair 7.7 with Mesh Placement Chapter 7 115 Technique of EERPE – Step by Step Traction and counter-traction are used to reduce the hernial sac. Especially the medial fascial defect becomes clearly visible after dissection (arrow, left image). In some patients the dissection of the medial hernial sac is nearly completely accomplished by the balloon during initial dissection of the preperitoneal space. In indirect hernias, after dissection of the hernial sac the inguinal ring (arrow, right image) is clearly seen. In all hernias, the hernial sac must be dissected before starting the prostatectomy and the actual hernia repair is performed after the completion of the anastomosis. In indirect hernias, the peritoneal sac travels on the anteromedial aspect of the spermatic cord as it enters the internal ring. The hernial sac should be carefully retracted and dissected free from the cord. Care is taken to avoid injury of the hernial sac (peritoneum), its containing structures and the vessels of the spermatic cord. Chapter 7 J U. Stolzenburg ∙ R. Rabenalt ∙ M. Do ∙ E. Liatsikos 7 116 The entire spermatic cord is elevated and an opening is created posteriorly for the insertion of the mesh. Most of the dissection is performed bluntly. This space should not be too small to avoid folding of the mesh once in place. If the hernia sac cannot be completely and sufficiently retracted (i.e. large indirect inguinal–scrotal hernia), the hernial sac can be divided at the level of the internal inguinal ring. Care should be taken during the inci- sion not to injure the bowel within the hernial sac. Closure of any peritoneal defect is essential at the site of the hernia repair. Contact between bowel and the mesh would cause adhesions and probably ileus. For this reason minor and larger defects should be closed by suturing. Chapter 7 117 Technique of EERPE – Step by Step The incision in the mesh is covered by a further 4×6-cm Prolene mesh. This additional patch is secured with a 2–0 Prolene running suture. The suture should not be under tension to avoid shrinkage of the mesh. Extracorporeal preparation of the Prolene mesh (9–10×14–15 cm) is performed. A 6-cm incision is made in the middle of the mesh, and a 0.5-cm hole is cut out for the spermatic cord. When a large medial hernia is being repaired, the medial aspect of the mesh should be larger. Chapter 7 J U. Stolzenburg ∙ R. Rabenalt ∙ M. Do ∙ E. Liatsikos 7 118 The mesh is rolled up and fixed by two stay sutures. A long suture is used for the lateral aspect (l=long) and a short suture for the medial aspect of the mesh. This enables easy recognition and placement in situ. In the next steps, the mesh is inserted and placed around the spermatic cord. The flap is temporarily fixed at the medial aspect of the main mesh by a stay suture. This suture should be loose to facilitate later intracorpor- eal cutting. Chapter 7 119 Technique of EERPE – Step by Step The stay sutures are cut in sequence. The lateral (long) stay suture is cut first and the lateral part of the mesh is completely unfolded. Make sure that the lateral part of the mesh is completely unfolded and there is no shrinkage or kinking. This preparation of the mesh roll was necessary to facilitate mesh placement through the 12-mm trocar in the preperitoneal space. The introduced mesh is placed under the spermatic cord. Note that the side with the long suture should be placed laterally. Chapter 7 J U. Stolzenburg ∙ R. Rabenalt ∙ M. Do ∙ E. Liatsikos 7 120 The stay suture of the flap is now cut and the flap is unfolded overlapping the lateral part of the mesh. Thus, the mesh is positioned around the spermatic cord to cover the hernial orifices and the entire space from the symphysis pubis in the midline to the anterior superior iliac spine laterally. In the case of bilateral hernias, two pieces of mesh are used and overlapped. After release of the carbon dioxide from the preperitoneal space at the end of the procedure, the mesh is anchored to the abdominal wall by intra-abdominal pressure alone. Placing the mesh around the spermatic cord prevents any possibility of its dislocating or migrating. Staples or stitches are not used for fixation of the mesh. The medial (short) stay suture is then cut and the medial part of the mesh is unfolded. This medial part slight- ly overlaps the lateral part of the mesh. The assistant should now hold the mesh in place with his instrument. Contents 8.1 Intraoperative Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 8.1.1 Creation of Preperitoneal Space and Trocar Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 8.1.1.1 Balloon Trocar Placed Intraperitoneally . . . . . . . . . . 122 8.1.1.2 Rupture of Balloon Itself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 8.1.1.3 Rupture of Peritoneum During Dissection of Extraperitoneal Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 8.1.1.4 Tips for Safe Trocar Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 8.1.1.5 Bowel Injury During Trocar Placement . . . . . . . . . . . 123 8.1.1.6 Injury of Bladder During Dissection of Extraperitoneal Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 8.1.2 Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 8.1.2.1 Bleeding from Epigastric Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 8.1.2.2 Venous Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 8.1.2.3 Arterial Bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 8.1.2.4 Santorini Plexus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 8.1.2.5 Injury of Iliac Vein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 8.1.2.6 Bleeding from Neurovascular Bundle . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 8.1.3 Ureteral Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 8.1.3.1 Damage During Lymph Node Dissection . . . . . . . . 125 8.1.3.2 Damage During Dissection of Posterior Bladder Neck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 8.1.3.3 Ureteral Obstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 8.1.4 Problems with Bladder Neck Dissection . . . . . . . 126 8.1.4.1 Intraprostatic Dissection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 8.1.4.2 Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 8.1.5 Rectal Injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 8.1.6 Anastomotic Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 8.1.7 Gas Embolism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 8.2 Postoperative Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 8.2.1 Bleeding/Haematoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 8.2.2 Catheter Blockage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 8.2.3 Anastomotic Leak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 8.2.4 Obturator Nerve Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 8.2.5 Lymphoceles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 8.2.6 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Troubelshooting Jens-Uwe Stolzenburg ∙ Minh Do ∙ Robert Rabenalt ∙ Anja Dietel ∙ Heidemarie Pfeier ∙ Frank Reinhardt ∙ Michael C. Truss ∙ Evangelos Liatsikos 8 [...]... follow-up was uneventful Fig. 8.5.  Cystogram 5 days after nerve-sparing EERPE (performed with clips), showing a clot (arrow) within the bladder Troubelshooting Fig. 8.6.  Normal cystogram with 100 ml contrast media 5 days postoperatively Cystography should comprise a minimum of four steps: (1) X-ray without contrast media (not shown); (2) X- Chapter 8 ray with anterior-posterior projection (a); (3) X-ray... bleeding with the use of the bipolar forceps 123 124 8 Chapter 8 J.-U Stolzenburg et al Fig. 8.1.  Suturing of persistently bleeding epigastric vessels A straight long needle is inserted outside-in from the skin to the extraperitoneal space The needle is then grasped with forceps and needle holder and advanced inside-out to the skin, entrap- ping the bleeding vessels The knot is positioned extracorporeally...122 8 Chapter 8 Endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) has been developed profoundly, and standardised to a point that it has become the first-line option for patients with localised prostate cancer in an increasing number of institutions The incidence of most complications... Stolzenburg et al be placed, especially the 10-mm trocar in the left iliac fossa This trocar is large enough to remove sizable remnant pieces of the balloon trocar It makes no sense to try to remove the balloon pieces through a 5-mm trocar 8.1.1.3  Rupture of Peritoneum During 8.1.1.3  Dissection of Extraperitoneal Space When during the dissection of the extraperitoneal space there is inadvertent opening... facilitate the healing process 8.1 .7 Gas Embolism Gas embolism is a very rare but potentially life-threatening complication Carbon dioxide may enter the venous vascular system and thereafter be trapped in the right ventricle, causing outflow obstruction from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery The initial clinical sign is a drop in end-tidal carbon dioxide 1 27 128 Chapter 8 concentration, as... the suction tube within the extraperitoneal space Special trocars have been designed mounted on a prepuncturing needle to facilitate trocar insertion (Versastep, Tyco) The needle is covered with a special mesh When the final position has been reached, the Troubelshooting needle is extracted and an internal 5- or 10-mm blunttip trocar is inserted through the mesh into the extraperitoneal space The trocar... peritoneal cavity, there is no need for panic This can happen particularly if the patient has had previous pelvic surgery (e.g appendectomy, hernia repair) Continue the dissection and proceed with the operation If the extraperitoneal space is significantly reduced, consult the anaesthetist for muscle relaxation In most cases of reduced extraperitoneal space, insufficient muscle relaxation is the cause... was inserted through the urethra and then endoscopically guided into the ureteral orifices (Fig. 8.3) Double pigtail stents were then inserted over the wire bilaterally to ascertain ureteral viability In the case of doubt the use of fluoroscopy is suggested The bladder neck was then reconstructed endoscopically at the 6 o’clock position 125 126 8 Chapter 8 J.-U Stolzenburg et al Fig. 8.3.  Technique... the extraperitoneal space It might be helpful to enlarge the skin incision to permit easier and safer access to the anatomical landmarks (posterior rectus sheath) 8.1.1.2 Rupture of Balloon Itself When there is a rupture of the balloon itself (very rare), remember to remove all its segments This should be done after the full development of the extraperitoneal space Furthermore, all trocars should J.-U... requires reintervention, the latter should be started endoscopically The same port sites should be used It is important to use a 10-mm suction tube (see Chap 3.1) to be able to aspirate all the clots from the operative field After aspiration the site of haemorrhage is identified and dealt with In our experience, the majority of these cases could be handled endoscopically At the end of the procedure reduce . leak the urethral catheter is removed. 7. 7 EERPE and Hernia Repair 7. 7 with Mesh Placement Chapter 7 115 Technique of EERPE – Step by Step Traction and counter-traction are used to reduce the hernial. steps: (1) X-ray without contrast media (not shown); (2) X- ray with anterior-posterior projection (a); (3) X-ray with lateral projection (b); (4) X-ray with emptied bladder (c) Fig. 8 .7. Normal. identified, endoscopic correction with a two-layer suture line must be performed. After- wards, parenteral nutrition for at least 6 days is rec- ommended. When a direct rectal injury is not recog- nised