Laparoendoscopic Single-Port Transvesical Diverticulectomy: Preliminary Clinical Experience

PURPOSE: We present our single-center experience with three patients who were undergoing laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) diverticulectomy through a single-port device introduced directly into the bladder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During March and April 2011, we operated on three men aged 62 to 76 years (mean 67 y) for symptomatic bladder diverticula using a standard lithotomy position and general anesthesia. The procedure was performed transvesically (percutaneous intraluminal approach) with a single-port device (four-channel) via a 1.5-cm incision made 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. Standard 10-mm optic and rigid laparoscopic instruments were used. The defect of the bladder wall was closed with an absorbable 3/0 running V-Loc suture. An 18F Foley catheter was left for 4 to 7 days. RESULTS: The average operative time was 128 minutes (range 80-175 min). The blood loss was minimal. Patients were discharged on the third postoperative day with no intra-, nor postoperative complications. The 3-month follow-up confirmed good operative results in all cases. CONCLUSION: We consider laparoendoscopic single-port transvesical excision of bladder diverticulum as a feasible and safe procedure and a valuable treatment option for bladder diverticulectomy.