You have accessJournal of UrologyDiscussed Poster, Monday, May 10, 2004, 1:00 - 5:00 pm1 Apr 20041047: Bowel Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy Jeffrey M. Holzbeierlein, Gregory R. Hanson, Matthew Hall, Matthew Mayo, Deborah P. Lubeck, Holly Smith, and J. Brantley Thrasher Jeffrey M. HolzbeierleinJeffrey M. Holzbeierlein , Gregory R. HansonGregory R. Hanson , Matthew HallMatthew Hall , Matthew MayoMatthew Mayo , Deborah P. LubeckDeborah P. Lubeck , Holly SmithHolly Smith , and J. Brantley ThrasherJ. Brantley Thrasher View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(18)38284-3AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "1047: Bowel Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy." The Journal of Urology, 171(4S), pp. 276–277 © 2016 by American Urological AssociationFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 171Issue 4SApril 2004Page: 276-277 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016 by American Urological AssociationMetricsAuthor Information Jeffrey M. Holzbeierlein More articles by this author Gregory R. Hanson More articles by this author Matthew Hall More articles by this author Matthew Mayo More articles by this author Deborah P. Lubeck More articles by this author Holly Smith More articles by this author J. Brantley Thrasher More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

PURPOSETraditional laparoscopic procedures use expensive cannulas to facilitate the insertion and removal of laparoscopic instruments. We report our experience with limited access stab incisions for the insertion of instruments into the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic urological procedures to minimize the use of disposable cannulas.MATERIALS AND METHODSAll patients undergoing laparoscopic urologic procedures using stab incisions, as performed by us, from November 1999 through March 2003 were included. Procedures included nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, varicocelectomy, nephroureterectomy, orchiopexy and adrenal procedures. A single cannula was used for telescope access. In select cases additional cannulas were used for unique instruments or specimen manipulation/extraction. Abdominal wall stab incisions were used for the remaining instruments. Stab incisions were closed with a Steri-Strip (3M Healthcare, St. Paul, Minnesota) at the skin level only.RESULTSA total of 53 procedures were performed during the study period. Pneumoperitoneum was maintained in all cases. There were no complications associated with the use of stab incisions. A total of 105 cannulas were saved using our technique. At a cost to the patient of dollars 140 per cannula the overall cost saving was dollars 14,700 with an average saving of dollars 277 per case.CONCLUSIONSLaparoscopic urological procedures can be performed effectively and safely with stab incisions for instrument access. There are significant cost savings related to the elimination of cannulas. We believe that our technique of stab incisions for instrument access is equivalent to the traditional cannula approach and should be used when possible.