Transvaginal NOTES nephrectomy can be accomplished in a porcine model. Additional testing on survival animals is necessary to validate this approach.

Introducing a robotic interface for laparoscopic partial/wedge resection allowed a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist with limited reconstructive laparoscopic experience to achieve results comparable to those for laparoscopic partial/wedge resection performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. In this regard, the learning curve appears truncated, similar to that with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

A robot-assisted NOTES nephrectomy was accomplished in a porcine model using the daVinci S robot. Additional testing on survival animals is necessary to further explore this approach.

Both laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomies can be performed safely without compromising oncologic standards for surgical margins and extent of lymphadenectomy. In this early experience, the robot-assisted approach appears to have a shorter learning curve, and it is associated with less blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, and earlier return of bowel function than LACIC.

The Stone Cone and NTrap eliminated retropulsion and equally improved fragmentation efficiency. The maximum efficiency of fragmentation was seen using the 200 microm fiber at a 700-microsec pulse width.

Each device tested except monopolar scissors consistently produced a supraphysiological seal and should be suitable for sealing lymphatic vessels during laparoscopic surgery.

After 100 cycles, the Steris 1 system rendered the flexible ureteroscope unusable, whereas HLD with Cidex OPA had minimal adverse impact.

Women have significantly lower interface pressures when compared with men. BMI >or= 25 also increases interface pressures. The use of the kidney rest is associated with markedly increased pressure; use of a half-flexed position is preferable to a full-flexed position. These data have implications for patient positioning and identification of persons at risk for rhabdomyolysis during laparoscopic renal surgery.