An initial experience with lighted ureteral catheters during laparoscopic colectomy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Ureteral injuries are a risk during pelvic dissection, especially in laparoscopic surgery where tactile feedback is limited.
• Lighted ureteral catheters (LUC) offer visual feedback for ureteral identification in laparoscopic procedures.
• The use of LUC in laparoscopic-assisted colectomy has been largely anecdotal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first series of selectively used LUC during laparoscopic-assisted colectomy.
• To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of LUC in this surgical setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 49 consecutive laparoscopic-assisted colectomies was conducted.
• Patients were divided into two groups: those who received LUC (n=24) and those who did not (n=25).
• Data collected included catheter visualization, operative time, operating room cost, and complications.

Main Results:

• LUC were visualized in 83% of cases where they were used in right and left colectomies.
• No catheter or ureteral complications occurred in either group.
• Operative time was significantly longer in the LUC group (192 min vs. 161.4 min), but operating room costs were similar.

Conclusions:

• Selective use of LUC in laparoscopic-assisted colectomy can enhance ureteral identification.
• While LUC increases operative time, it does not significantly increase operating room costs or operative morbidity.
• Further investigation into the benefits of LUC for preventing ureteral injuries in complex laparoscopic pelvic surgery is warranted.