Yk. Chan et al., EXTRAPERITONEAL LAPAROSCOPY - ANATOMICAL DISSECTIONS WITH EXPERIMENTAL BALLOON DILATORS, British Journal of Urology, 77(2), 1996, pp. 296-301
Objectives To develop balloon dilators in vitro and in cadavers and to
evaluate the anatomy of the extraperitoneal spaces and their surround
ings created by such balloons. Materials and methods Balloons of three
different materials (condoms, fingers of surgical gloves, whole surgi
cal gloves and 'party' balloons) were tested in an in vitro study and
compared with a prototype balloon dilator used in cadavers. The balloo
n dilators were used to create extraperitoneal spaces in the pelvic, t
he loin and the iliac regions through stab incisions, The incisions we
re extended after dilatation to examine the spaces created and the con
sequent anatomical changes. Results In vitro, all balloons were found
to have capacities of more than 10 L, except that made from the finger
of a surgical glove. Early rupture after insertion and during dilatat
ion was a problem in condom and party balloons. In cadavers. there was
good exposure of anatomical structures within the extraperitoneal spa
ces created. Reflections of peritoneum in the loin and the iliac regio
ns were unmoved by balloon dilatation. Conclusions The prototype ballo
on dilator possessed all the characteristics desired of an ideal instr
ument for creating extraperitoneal spaces. Good exposure of anatomical
structures by the balloon dilators allows a minimal dissection in ext
raperitoneal laparoscopic procedures in the aforementioned regions. Th
at the peritoneal reflection was unmoved despite adequate expansion of
the balloons also means that the exact placement of secondary laparos
copic ports is crucial in preventing peritoneal and colonic trauma.