Malfunction endostapler trapped on renal vein - Nightmare scenario for surgeon

Yi-Wen Chen; Han-Chung Yang; Po-Chi Liao; Chuan-Shu Chen; Cheng-Kuang Yang; Li-Yu Yang

doi:10.1016/j.eucr.2024.102671

Malfunction endostapler trapped on renal vein - Nightmare scenario for surgeon

Urol Case Rep. 2024 Feb 8:53:102671. doi: 10.1016/j.eucr.2024.102671. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Yi-Wen Chen¹, Han-Chung Yang^{2

3}, Po-Chi Liao², Chuan-Shu Chen^{2

4

3}, Cheng-Kuang Yang², Li-Yu Yang²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan ROC.
² Department of Urology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan ROC.
³ Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan ROC.
⁴ Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan ROC.

Abstract

The utilization of endostapler devices has become standard practice for renal vein ligation during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. While exceptionally rare, malfunctions can occur in these devices. In the video, we present a malfunctioning endostapler that became trapped on the renal vein. Fortunately, this catastrophic event was successfully managed without conversion to open surgery or massive blood loss and was recorded on video. We propose a structured management flow chart for addressing GIA malfunction, aiming to assist surgeons in navigating through this potentially life-threatening situation.

Keywords: Device malfunction; Gastrointestinal Anastomosis device; Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.

Publication types

Case Reports