A CONSUMERS GUIDE TO LAPAROSCOPIC EQUIPMENT FOR UROLOGY

The ever increasing amount of laparoscopic instrumentation and the lac k of any objective comparison make choosing the most appropriate equip ment a difficult task for the urological neo-laparoscopist. All major manufacturers of laparoscopic equipment were invited to submit as much of their equipment as possible for inspection. A selection of ports, hand instruments, haemostatic devices and imaging systems was then tes ted in a laboratory and clinical setting. Costings are provided for ev aluated ports, hand instruments and imaging systems. Vessels with a di ameter greater than 7 mm, such as renal artery and vein, should be sec ured with a linear stapler-cutter. The optics of the Olympus OTV-S4, C LV-10 light source, Olympus light cable and A5254A telescope are super ior to the other imaging systems tested. Laparoscopic equipment is div erse in specification, performance and cost. Due consideration must be given to these factors when purchasing equipment to avoid disappointm ent and wastage of resources, particularly with regard to disposable i nstruments and imaging systems.