Use of optical dilating trocar for initial access during extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
For fully extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, open port placement is standard. This takes quite some time, so with the availability of trocars that combine optical control and radial dilation, an easier and faster technique was tested.


METHODS
In 70 consecutive cases, preperitoneal space creation was attempted with only a 1-cm skin incision, developing further access using an optical dilating trocar with a laparoscope. Open preparation of the subcutaneous fat and incision of the anterior rectus fascia was not necessary.


RESULTS
Access was successful on the first attempt in 67 cases. The time from the first skin incision to an established preperitoneal space was <10 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe this technique offers an easier, faster, and safe way to introduce the first port for extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Hajdinjak
Tine
T
Department of Urology, Maribor Teaching Hospital, Maribor, Slovenia.
Oakley
Neil E
NE
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011677:Punctures; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome