R. Avrahami et al., RETROPERITONEAL ENDOSCOPIC LUMBAR SYMPATHECTOMY WITH BALLOON DISSECTION - EXPERIENCE WITH A CADAVERIC MODEL, Surgical laparoscopy & endoscopy, 8(3), 1998, pp. 197-199
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.