Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Laparoscopic Repair of Para-Esophageal Hernia Using Absorbable Biosynthetic Mesh
Published on: September 11, 2021
Laparoscopic exposure in obese high-risk patients with mechanical displacement of the abdominal wall
Michael P Stany1, William E Winter, Louis Dainty
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
Background:
Patients with morbid obesity or pulmonary disease are at a higher risk for complications during advanced laparoscopic procedures. Higher intraperitoneal carbon dioxide pressures required to elevate the pannus can negatively impact hemodynamic and respiratory parameters.
Cases:
We describe a technique that uses a combination of a mechanical retractor and a Foley catheter inserted midway between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis that assists in elevating the anterior abdominal wall. In 3 cases this technique allowed for a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum during advanced laparoscopic pelvic surgery, which resulted in improved hemodynamic parameters and pulmonary function in these high-risk patients.
Conclusion:
The Foley Lap-Lift facilitated laparoscopy through mechanical abdominal wall elevation and allowed for a lower-pressure pneumoperitoneum. This technique is an addition to traditional operative laparoscopy in select high-risk patients.
