Extraperitoneal endoscopic gasless pelvic lymph node dissection.

The insufflated extraperitoneal approach to endoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection has been described as an alternative method of staging carcinoma of the prostate. There are several potential pitfalls in performing this approach, including the use of endoscopic instrumentation, trocars, insufflation equipment, and general anesthesia. In order to overcome potential problems associated with this surgical approach, a totally gasless extraperitoneal approach has been developed. This technique uses standard surgical instruments, does not use carbon dioxide to maintain the operative space, and uses general anesthesia. This procedure is more cost effective, since it uses no special instrumentation except the laprolift and laprofan to maintain the extraperitoneal cavity during lymph node dissection.