A novel approach to locate renal artery during retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy

Objective: To verify the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy and assess the value of our proposed approach to search for renal artery. Methods: A total of 60 cases of retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy were performed using our homemade single-port multi-channel device. An incision of 5-6 cm was cut forward from the posterior axillary line under the lower margin of the 12th rib, and a single-port multi-channel device comprised of two control rings and a No. 7 glove was placed into the incision. Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy was then performed via locating renal artery through muscle and ligament on the posterior abdominal. Results: The 60 cases were all successful. None of the 60 patients developed surgical complications. Conclusion: The application of homemade device is safe and feasible. Our proposed method is of greater practical significance for the relatively narrow operating space in retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site surgery.