[Laparoscopic aortic surgery in a swine model using a newly designed intestine retraction system].
BACKGROUND
Recently, the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for aortic occlusive and aneurysmal disease has been demonstrated in clinical studies. However, aortic access is compromised by poor exposure of the operative field from uncontrolled bowel. Currently available retractors are inadequate. The development of new retracting instruments therefore may facilitate laparoscopic aortic surgery.


METHODS
Two paddles inserted in a polyester bilayer (mobile device, group A) or a mesh net fixed to the abdominal wall (fixed device, group B) were used to retain the bowel. Six female piglets (28-30 kg) in each group underwent laparoscopic aortic surgery.


RESULTS
Mean time to deploy the device was 22 +/- 12 min in group A and 36 +/- 34 min in group B (n.s.). Vascular surgery time averaged 60 +/- 24 min in group A and 68 +/- 16 min in group B (n.s.), the time to withdraw the nets was respectively 3.6 +/- 1.2 min and 13.5 +/- 8.2 min (p < 0.05). Total surgery time was 155 +/- 41 min vs. 174 +/- 49 min (n.s.). Two retraction failures have been registered (1 in group A and 1 in group B). No major complications were documented.


CONCLUSIONS
Both nets provided adequate exposure of the infrarenal aorta. Vascular surgery time and blood loss were similar in both groups. Nevertheless, the handling of the mobile device (group A) seemed to be more comfortable in direct comparison. The newly developed retraction devices might facilitate the performance of laparoscopic aortic surgery.
Abteilung für Gefässchirurgie, Chirurgische Klinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum am St. Josef-Hospital.
M
M
Grossefeld
R
R
Ludemann
B
B
Geier
L
L
Barbera
A
A
Mumme
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors