The use of stab incisions for instrument access in laparoscopic urological procedures

Purpose: Traditional laparoscopic procedures use expensive cannulas to facilitate the insertion and removal of laparoscopic instruments. We report our experience with limited access stab incisions for the insertion of instruments into the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic urological procedures to minimize the use of disposable cannulas. Materials and Methods: All patients undergoing laparoscopic urologic procedures using stab incisions, as performed by us, from November 1999 through March 2003 were included. Procedures included nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, varicocelectomy, nephroureterectomy, orchiopexy and adrenal procedures. A single cannula was used for telescope access. In select cases additional cannulas were used for unique instruments or specimen manipulation/extraction. Abdominal wall stab incisions were used for the remaining instruments. Stab incisions were closed with a Steri-Strip (3M Healthcare, St. Paul, Minnesota) at the skin level only. Results: A total of 53 procedures were performed during the study period. Pneumoperitoneum was maintained in all cases. There were no complications associated with the use of stab incisions. A total of 105 cannulas were saved using our technique. At a cost to the patient of $140 per cannula the overall cost saving was $14,700 with an average saving of $277 per case. Conclusions: Laparoscopic urological procedures can be performed effectively and safely with stab incisions for instrument access. There are significant cost savings related to the elimination of cannulas. We believe that our technique of stab incisions for instrument access is equivalent to the traditional cannula approach and should be used when possible.