ORGAN RETRIEVAL-SYSTEMS FOR ENDOSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY

Laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic interventions such as nephrectomy or tumor nephrectomy call for the removal of large quantities of tiss ue, which can no longer be extracted via the relatively confined lumen of a cannula, For this purpose, a variety of organ retrieval systems have been designed and are commercially available with the aim of safe tissue retrieval. This paper summarizes the results of an experimenta l and clinical comparison of the most important organ entrapment syste ms suitable for endoscopic nephrectomy. The LapSac(R) was the first or gan bag especially designed for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Despite vari ous new modifications of this entrapment system, it still represents o ne of the best alternatives and has been used worldwide with success, However, because of its simplicity, it requires a certain laparoscopic expertise and involves a learning curve, Newly developed retrieval sy stems (i.e., LapBag(R), Extraction Bag(R), Endo-Catch(R)) offer some a dvantages regarding the handling of the bag, which may be particularly useful during retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy with a restricted work ing space. Retrieval systems (i.e., Endobag(R), Endopouch(R)) with low resistance to tearing forces or permeability to tumor cells or bacter ia (i.e., Espiner Bag(R)) cannot be recommended for endoscopic nephrec tomy.