Comparative evaluation of surgical methods for low invasive surgical treatment of diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract

Background. The rapid development of laparoscopic surgery can significantly reduce trauma during operations in the retroperitoneal space. These goals are also achieved by retroperitoneoscopy (RPS), which has become widespread in the last twenty years. The main difficulties for surgeons were associated with a small workspace and a lack of clear anatomical landmarks. Different access methods have different features, advantages and disadvantages, the analysis of which helps to optimize surgical treatment and accelerate patient rehabilitation.Aim: to study the advantages and disadvantages of retroperitoneoscopic and transperitoneal laparoscopic surgical methods of treatment.Materials and methods: We analyzed 305 case histories of patients operated on for various kidney diseases. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 – patients who underwent surgery using an extraperitoneal retroperitoneoscopic approach, Group 2 – patients who used the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. A comparison of two methods of surgical treatment of kidney diseases, retroperitoneoscopic and laparoscopic access, was carried out. The following indicators were compared: duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, need for analgesics, frequency of postoperative complications.Results. The duration of the operation with retroperitoneoscopic surgery was reduced by more than 15 % compared with the laparoscopic approach. Shorter periods of pain relief were required, and the number of complications also decreased. The duration of inpatient treatment did not differ significantly.Conclusion. Retroperitoneoscopic approach can be used as the method of choice for operations on the retroperitoneal space.

Retroperitoneoscopic drainage of cryptogenic psoas abscess

Psoas abscess is a rare and occasionally life-threatening condition. In the past, the major cause of psoas abscess was a descending infection originating from spine tuberculosis (Pott’s disease). Subsequently, secondary infection from spondylodiscitis or Crohn’s disease has become the prevalent aetiology. Conventional treatment ranges from antibiotic therapy alone to CT-guided and/or surgical drainage. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a complex history, including pneumonia, sepsis and previous muscle-skeletal trauma. The patient subsequently developed a psoas abscess that was successfully treated with a minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic approach and antibiotics. Blood cultures and pus yielded Gram-positive Streptococcus sp, and transesophageal echocardiography identified endocarditis as a possible source of sepsis. Postoperative clinical course was complicated by recurrent sepsis that required a change of antibiotic therapy. The patient was eventually discharged to rehabilitation care without further complications. The retroperitoneoscopic approach is safe and effective for the treatment of cryptogenic psoas abscess.

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic resection of recurrent nonseminomatous tumor mass: a case report of the surgical procedure

Treatment of stage II–IV nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSTGCTs) consists of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and, when present, resection of residual retroperitoneal tumor mass (RRTM) by conventional laparotomy or laparoscopy. In case of a retroperitoneal recurrence, a second conventional or laparoscopic procedure may be challenging. A case of late relapse after prior conventional resection of a RRTM and tailor-made surgical management with a posterior retroperitoneoscopic resection (PRR) is reported. A posterior retroperitoneoscopic RRTM resection was performed in a 26-year-old male with a history of stage IIC NSTGCT, presenting with a late left-sided retroperitoneal relapse, 6 years after initial treatment. Postoperative course was uneventful and at 1-year follow-up the patient had no evidence of disease. Reoperative surgery by a minimal invasive retroperitoneoscopic approach should be considered as an alternative for patients with a recurrent retroperitoneal tumor mass of a NSTGCT.