In vitro comparison of burst tension and puncture pressure in commonly used organ retrieval bags

Transurethral removal of a cystic urolith in a mare using a laparoscopic specimen pouch

CASE REPORT

Cystic urolithiasis is the most common form of urolithiasis reported in horses. In contrast to the gelding or stallion, clinical disease is less common in the mare and manual removal techniques are possible because of their shorter, wider urethral anatomy. However, these manual removal techniques can be traumatic and are limited by the size of the urolith. This report describes the use of a commercial laparoscopic specimen pouch to remove a cystic urolith in a mare.

CONCLUSION

This approach may allow the extraction of larger uroliths per urethra in the mare, while affording some protection to the mucosa of the bladder neck and urethra.

Risk, risk reduction and management of occult malignancy diagnosed after uterine morcellation: a commentary

Minimally invasive surgical techniques compared with laparotomy offer the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospitalization, fewer wound complications and faster return to baseline activity for both hysterectomy and myomectomy. While morcellation allows for the laparoscopic removal of large specimens, it may result in intraperitoneal dissemination of benign disease or upstaging of occult malignancy leading to compromised survival. There has been heightened scrutiny over appropriate patient selection and preoperative assessment in light of recent warnings against power morcellation issued by the US FDA. This commentary therefore summarizes the magnitude of such risks associated with uterine morcellation, current national regulatory statements and potential merits of risk-reducing approaches such as contained morcellation. The importance of patient counseling is underscored.

Use of a laparoscopic retrieval device for urolith removal through a perineal urethrotomy

OBJECTIVE

To report the use of a laparoscopic retrieval device for removal of uroliths via a perineal urethrotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMALS

A 12-year-old Konenklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN) gelding and a 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding.

METHODS

Perineal urethrotomy was performed on 2 standing sedated geldings and the urolith was removed using a laparoscopic retrieval device.

RESULTS

In both cases, uroliths were removed successfully with no short- or long-term complications. The larger of the 2 uroliths measured 6 cm in length and 4.6 cm in width.

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of a urolith via a perineal urethrotomy using a laparoscopic retrieval device was an expedient and minimally traumatic method that obviated the need for fragmentation before removal.