Ergonomic use of the fourth arm to oversew the dorsal vascular complex (DVC) during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)

BJU Int. 2013 Jan;111(1):179-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11716.x.

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate an ergonomic fourth arm technique to oversew the dorsal vascular complex (DVC) during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).

Patients and methods: Balloon of a Foley catheter inflated in the bulbar urethra. Fourth arm cranial traction via suture in the tip of the catheter. DVC oversewn under direct vision.

Results: Oversew of DVC with minimal patient-side surgical assistance. About a 50% reduction in apical positive margin rate.

Conclusion: A useful, ergonomic method of oversewing the DVC during RALP.

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Failure
  • Ergonomics
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / instrumentation
  • Laparoscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Prostatectomy / instrumentation
  • Prostatectomy / methods*
  • Robotics / instrumentation
  • Robotics / methods*
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Sutures
  • Urinary Catheterization