Cost effective laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with a reusable platform.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Disposable platforms are common in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), but their cost limits widespread adoption.
• A novel, completely reusable LESS platform has been developed to address cost concerns.
• This study evaluates the feasibility and outcomes of using a reusable LESS platform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the first completely reusable laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) platform.
• To assess the applicability of the reusable LESS platform across various urological procedures.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes associated with the reusable LESS platform.

Main Methods:

• Performed 52 LESS procedures using a reusable single-port device (X-Cone, Karl-Storz).
• Procedures included nephrectomy, adrenalectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, renal cyst ablation, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and lymphocele ablation.
• Collected perioperative data, including visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and Clavien grading for complications.

Main Results:

• Successful application in diverse urological procedures with no open conversions.
• Low complication rates (3 cases: 2 Clavien II, 1 Clavien III).
• Favorable outcomes including acceptable operative times, low pain scores (VAS), minimal blood loss, and good lymph node yield where applicable.

Conclusions:

• A completely reusable LESS platform is safe and effective for various urological surgeries.
• This reusable platform significantly reduces the cost of LESS, enhancing its acceptance.
• Reusable LESS platforms are more cost-effective than standard laparoscopy, offering better functional and cosmetic results.