Cost-effective homemade specimen retrieval bag for use in laparoscopic surgery: experience at a single center.
BACKGROUND
To offer an easily produced and cost-effective specimen retrieval bag that can be used to reduce the cost of laparoscopic surgery.


METHODS
From January 2005 to October 2009, 135 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for adrenalectomy or prostatectomy, during which a homemade specimen retrieval bag was used. The retrieval bag was produced from a large sterile surgical glove, 2-0 nylon thread, and 1-0 RB-1 needle Vicryl thread. A purse-string suture at the opening of the bag was made using the nylon thread, and the bottom of the bag was double-tied using the tail of the Vicryl thread. The bag was introduced into the peritoneal cavity via a 12-mm port, and the specimen was enclosed with the use of two laparoscopic instruments. The bag was then extracted by extending the port incisional wound.


RESULTS
We used a homemade retrieval bag to extract specimens from 110 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 25 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The procedure was performed safely, and no bags were broken. No complications were observed after the operations such as wound infection, ileus, or intestinal adhesion. In our experience, our homemade endobag can be easily used by surgeons to extract specimens from the abdominal cavity. The total cost of hospitalization was also reduced for the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The homemade specimen retrieval bag is cost-effective and useful for the retrieval of intact specimens. It is also easy to make and safe to use.
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Chien-Chang
CC
Kao
Tai-Lung
TL
Cha
Guang-Huan
GH
Sun
Dah-Shyong
DS
Yu
Hong-I
HI
Chen
Sun-Yran
SY
Chang
Cheng-Ping
CP
Ma
Sheng-Tang
ST
Wu
D000315:Adrenalectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012371:Robotics; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013624:Taiwan