A Stepwise Approach to Laparoscopic Enucleation and Excision of Retroperitoneal Cysts

To show a step-by-step approach to laparoscopic enucleation and excision of retroperitoneal cysts using a technical video.

A technical video (Canadian Task Force classification III).

A benign gynecology department at a university hospital.

Laparoscopic enucleation and excision of retroperitoneal cysts.

Retroperitoneal cysts are rare lesions associated with numerous complications including compression on neighboring organs, infection, rupture, and malignant transformation. Excision of retroperitoneal cysts can be challenging, and dissection of the retroperitoneal space is associated with bowel and vascular injury [1]. Laparoscopic drainage and fenestration have been promoted to prevent visceral injury [2]. Such approaches are ineffective, with increased recurrences and fluid accumulation requiring repeat surgical procedures [3,4]. Successful laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal cysts has been reported although there are no published videos of the technique [5]. In this video, we use 2 separate cases to show our step-by-step laparoscopic approach to enucleate and excise retroperitoneal cysts. Various methods to safely enter retroperitoneal spaces to avoid inadvertent damage to surrounding structures are detailed. A combination of careful blunt and sharp dissection is used to find specific planes to separate the cyst from the overlying peritoneum and underlying pelvic sidewall structures such as the ureter, vasculature, and nerves. We minimize energy use, and, when it is used, we are mindful regarding active blade positioning of the ultrasonic dissector to prevent inadvertent cyst rupture and injury to the surrounding structures. Keeping the cysts intact aids in leverage and prevents inadvertent spillage of potentially malignant contents. The cysts are retrieved laparoscopically by contained bag decompression.