Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac surgery: preliminary report of 25 cases.

INTRODUCTION

Since a few years vascular surgeons are developing laparoscopic vascular techniques. We report our preliminary results in this area, using the hand-assisted technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients were operated between February and December 2001 using the HandPort-system. Indications were occlusive aortoiliac disease or infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysmal disease.

RESULTS

Mean operating time was 180'; mean aortic clamping time was 37'; mean blood loss was 521 mL. Mean laparotomy length was 7.9 cm. A conversion to a larger laparotomy was necessary in two patients. Mean hospital stay was seven days. Operative mortality was 4% (one postoperative death).

CONCLUSIONS

Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliac surgery is feasible in community hospital settings.