Journal of endourology
-
Journal of endourology · Mar 2017
Survey of Abdominal Access and Associated Morbidity for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Does Palmer's Point Warrant Further Awareness and Study?
Laparoscopic access for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is often initiated in the periumbilical location. Palmer's point, located in the left upper quadrant, has been reported as an alternative access site for pelvic laparoscopy to reduce morbidity, but not widely reported among urologists. To better understand surgeons' preferences for access and its associated morbidity during RARP, we surveyed surgeons from two urologic organizations. ⋯ In this survey, surgeons most commonly access the abdomen at the periumbilical location with a Veress needle for RARP with the majority not aware or utilizing Palmer's point. Nearly one in five surgeons reported a personal experience with a vascular injury during access for RARP. Palmer's point, located away from major vasculature, may reduce the morbidity of access for RARP and warrants further awareness and study.