In this study, the impact of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) vision on laparoscopic performance of novice surgeons is examined. Twenty-five novice surgeons were directed to complete four basic tasks from European Training in Basic Laparoscopic Urological Skills (E-BLUS) with both 2D and 3D systems in a random order: task 1: needle guidance, task 2: cutting a circle, task 3: laparoscopic suturing, and task 4: pegs transfer. Quality and quantity scores for each task were measured. Participants completed all of the tasks in one modality of vision and than switched to the other. NASA Task Load Index was used for subjective workload assessment. Statistically significant differences in favor of 3D vision were detected in tasks 1 and 4 both in terms of quality and quantity. In task 2 and task 3, a significantly better performance was observed with the 3D vision only in quantity assessment. The participants who started the tasks in the 3D vision were better in performing the skills in 2D when compared to the participants who started with 2D vision. Overall, the participants reported a better perception of depth and spatial orientation with the 3D mode. Subjective work load was also lower for the tasks performed in 3D. Novice surgeons tended to perform better and felt much more comfortable with 3D in comparison to 2D laparoscopy. Even though previous task experience seemed to have an important impact on laparoscopic performance regardless of imaging modality, 3D laparoscopy seemed to facilitate the learning for novice surgeons.

Aim of the Study:In this work, surgical technique followed by two academic departments on laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) of large prostatic adenomas is being described.Materials and Methods:The initial cumulative experience from 11 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia origin subjected to LSP is being presented.Results:All cases had prostatic adenomas greater than 80 ml. Mean operation time was 99.5 min (values from 70 to 150 min) and mean blood loss was 205 ml (values from 100 to 300 ml). Blood transfusion was deemed necessary in one case. Bladder catheter was removed successfully on postoperative day 5 in all cases. No significant postoperative complication was noted. At a 3 months follow-up a significant decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was evident in all patients (mean IPSS 27.7 vs. 15.3 preoperative vs. postoperative accordingly).Conclusions:According to our data and similarly to the rest of the LSP literature, laparoscopic excision of voluminous prostatic adenomas is a feasible and safe procedure. Nevertheless, further investigation including a larger number of patients and long-term follow-up is deemed necessary before making definite conclusions regarding the approach.

The knowledge of risk factors, complications, and their management is important for every endourologist. Establishing of a PCNL-specific classification system for reporting outcomes and complications could set the basis for further improvement of the PCNL technique and outcomes.

Introduction:Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) has established itself as a safe method for the management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Laparoscopic suturing is a time-consuming intraoperative task during LSC. Self-retaining barbed sutures (SBSs) are known to reduce the operative time in laparoscopic cases. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SBS during the performance of LSC.Materials and Methods:Twenty female patients with symptomatic POP were treated with LSC by an expert surgeon. The preoperative evaluation included the International Continence Society POP-quantification (POP-Q) and the prolapse-specific quality-of-life questionnaire Mesh fixation was performed with SBS anteriorly on the anterior vaginal wall and posteriorly on the levator ani muscle. A 5-mm titanium tacking device was used for promontofixation. The peritoneum was also closed with an SBS.Results:Mean patient's age was 63 years (range: 50–79 years). According to POP-Q, system 3 patients (15%) had Stage I, 12 patients (60%) had Stage II, 3 patients (15%) had Stage III, and 2 patients (10%) had Stage IV prolapse. Concomitant hysterectomy was performed in 14 patients, respectively. Mean operative time was 99.75 (range: 65–140) min, mean blood loss was 57.75 (range: 30–120) ml. One patient had a bladder perforation intraoperatively, and three patients developed transient fever postoperatively. One patient had a recurrent cystocele and three patients recurrent rectocele.Conclusions:The current study renders the use of SBS during LSC to be safe and efficient. Further comparative studies would elucidate the impact of the use of SBS in LSC.