Transvesical peritoneoscopy with rigid scope: feasibility study in human male cadaver

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Innovation
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Transvesical port access involves using the urethra for abdominal cavity entry under endoscopic visualization.
• Previous studies explored rigid ureteroscopes in porcine models for surgical interventions.
• This research aimed to evaluate transvesical peritoneoscopy feasibility in human cadavers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accessibility and feasibility of performing peritoneoscopy via a transvesical port using a rigid ureteroscope in human male cadavers.
• To explore the potential of this technique for future NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) procedures.

Main Methods:

• Procedures were conducted on two adult male cadavers.
• Transvesical access to the peritoneal cavity was achieved using a rigid ureteroscope.
• Key procedures included peritoneoscopy, liver biopsy, and ileocecal appendix identification and manipulation.

Main Results:

• Rapid establishment of transvesical access to the peritoneal cavity.
• The rigid ureteroscope provided clear visualization of the abdominal cavity with good image quality.
• Successful execution of liver biopsy and ileocecal appendix manipulation without complications.

Conclusions:

• Transvesical peritoneoscopy, liver biopsy, and ileocecal appendix manipulation are feasible using a rigid ureteroscope via a transvesical port in a cadaver model.
• Development of specialized rigid scopes for transvesical port access could advance NOTES procedures.