Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac surgery: preliminary report of 25 cases.
BACKGROUND
Since a few years vascular surgeons are developing laparoscopic vascular techniques. We report our preliminary results in this area, using the hand-assisted technique.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients were operated between February and December 2001 using the HandPort-system. Indications were occlusive aortoiliac disease or infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysmal disease.


RESULTS
Mean operating time was 180'; mean aortic clamping time was 37'; mean blood loss was 521 mL. Mean laparotomy length was 7.9 cm. A conversion to a larger laparotomy was necessary in two patients. Mean hospital stay was seven days. Operative mortality was 4% (one postoperative death).


CONCLUSIONS
Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac surgery is feasible in community hospital settings.
Wijtenburg
E
E
Department of Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Hôpital Saint Joseph, Gilly, Clinique Notre Dame de Grâce, Gosselies.
Remy
Ph
P
D'hont
Ch
Ch
Vindevogel
Ch
Ch
Blampain
J P
JP
Massin
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001011:Aorta; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D001530:Belgium; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*