Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: radical prostatectomy in the canine model.

PURPOSE

The goal of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of transurethral radical prostatectomy in the canine model. We describe the surgical procedure for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery-radical prostatectomy (NOTES-RP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NOTES-RP was performed on six nonsurvival male canines. The 100 watt holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garne laser, 550 μm end-firing fiber, 28F laser resectoscope, 7F stabilizing catheter, and continuous irrigation were used to radically resect the prostate. A Vest vesicourethral anastomosis was performed using a laparoscopic suture device that was delivered through the nephroscope. In the initial cases, the prostate was removed manually; for the last two cases, the prostate was removed endoscopically with a tissue morcellator.

RESULTS

NOTES-RP was successfully executed in all canines. Visualization was not obscured by bleeding. Dissection times ranged from 40 to 120 minutes. Fluid absorption was problematic in cases lasting more than 1 hour, because of the intraperitoneal location of the canine prostate and bladder.

CONCLUSIONS

The feasibility and technique of NOTES-RP was successfully demonstrated in the living canine model.