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P.L.E.A.T.-Preventing Lymphocele Ensuring Absorption Transperitoneally: A Robotic Technique
Fabrizio Dal Moro1, Filiberto Zattoni1
1Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-Urology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Urology
|May 31, 2017
Summary
The P.L.E.A.T. technique significantly reduces symptomatic lymphocele risk after robotic pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). This method involves "pleating" the peritoneum, proving safe and effective in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Robotic pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) can lead to symptomatic lymphoceles.
- Existing methods for managing the peritoneum after PLND have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the P.L.E.A.T. (preventing lymphocele ensuring absorption transperitoneally) technique.
- To assess the efficacy of P.L.E.A.T. in reducing symptomatic lymphocele formation after robotic PLND.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis of 195 standard PLNDs versus 176 P.L.E.A.T. procedures during robotic radical prostatectomy.
- Data collection focused on the incidence of symptomatic lymphoceles (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3).
Main Results:
- The standard PLND group experienced 4.1% symptomatic lymphoceles (8 cases).
- The P.L.E.A.T. technique resulted in only 1 symptomatic lymphocele case (P=.039).
- No complications were reported in association with the P.L.E.A.T. procedure.
Conclusions:
- The P.L.E.A.T. technique is a safe and effective method for reducing symptomatic lymphoceles.
- This innovative approach is fast and easy to implement in transperitoneal robotic PLND.

