Original Dissecting Balloon for Retroperitoneal Laparoscopy: A Cost-Effective Alternative to the Commercially...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:

• Optimal retroperitoneal space creation is crucial for laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery.
• Existing commercial balloon retroperitoneal expanders can be costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel, in-house developed balloon dissecting technique for retroperitoneal space creation.
• To compare the cost-effectiveness of this new technique against commercially available balloon expanders.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 20 patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic surgery.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: one using a commercial balloon expander, the other using a custom-made glove-based balloon dilator.
• Space quality was subjectively evaluated by a blinded surgeon; economic analysis included material and operative time costs.

Main Results:

• Both techniques created a good retroperitoneal space.
• The custom-made balloon technique required less preparation time (1.16 min vs. 3.15 min for commercial expander dilation).
• Overall costs were significantly lower with the custom-made balloon (60.27€ vs. 141.95€).

Conclusions:

• The original dissecting balloon technique is easy to use, fast, and provides a valid option for retroperitoneal dissection.
• This novel technique is a cost-effective alternative to commercially available balloon retroperitoneal expanders.