Abstract:

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been sporadically described in the past to assist the surgeon during operations of complexity or when operations require specimen removal. The hand will offer the surgeon an advantage in terms of tactile feedback, exposure, retraction, or orientation so that it will enable him or her to operate with greater safety and efficiency. The fundamental pre-requisite for successful HALS is a reliable hand-assist device. We perform HALS for complex advanced laparoscopic surgery where it may save time, increase accuracy and improve safety. Additionally, this approach is considered for any operation that requires specimen removal, since an enlarged incision may be required. Early introduction of the hand may facilitate dissection and specimen removal.

Authors:

Demetrius E. Litwin, M.D. Yuki Novitsky, M.D. Kent W. Kercher, M.D. Andras Sandor, M.D. Steven M. Yood, M.D. M.P.H. John J. Kelly, M.D. William C. Meyers, M.D. Karen A Gallagher, RN., B.S. University of Massachusetts Medical School and University of Massachusetts Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, MA

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