RETROPERITONEAL ENDOSCOPIC LUMBAR SYMPATHECTOMY WITH BALLOON DISSECTION - EXPERIENCE WITH A CADAVERIC MODEL

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of retrop eritoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy with balloon dissection tech nique using a cadaveric model. Retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympa thectomy was performed on 10 cadavers. The procedure was combined with balloon dissection to provide easier visualization and more working s pace. The outcome was successful in eight cadavers. Average operating time was 40 min, and visualization was good. The only major technical problems were perforation of the peritoneum and air leak into the abdo men. It was concluded that retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathec tomy with balloon dissection has the advantages of minimal invasivenes s, clear visualization, and controlled blunt dissection. The use of a cadaveric model may improve the clinical learning curve.