Experimental retroperitoneal endoscopic surgery.

Techniques for retroperitoneal endoscopic procedures with the patient in prone position were evaluated in experimental studies in the pig. Nephrectomy, para-aortic lymph node dissection, lumbar sympathectomy and assisted aorto-femoral bypass were performed and the experience is reported herein. The prone position contributes to the creation of the retroperitoneal working space and eliminates the need for extensive retraction and thus for additional ports. The modified open Hasson technique was found to be the preferred retroperitoneal access procedure.