Single-centre experience of retroperitoneoscopic approach in urology with tips to overcome the steep learning curve

CONTEXT: The retroperitoneoscopic or retroperitoneal (RP) surgical approach has not become as popular as the transperitoneal (TP) one due to the steeper learning curve. AIMS: Our single-institution experience focuses on the feasibility, advantages and complications of retroperitoneoscopic surgeries (RS) performed over the past 10 years. Tips and tricks have been discussed to overcome the steep learning curve and these are emphasised. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study made a retrospective analysis of computerised hospital data of patients who underwent RP urological procedures from 2003 to 2013 at a tertiary care centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2013, 314 cases of RS were performed for various urological procedures. We analysed the operative time, peri-operative complications, time to return of bowel sound, length of hospital stay, and advantages and difficulties involved. Post-operative complications were stratified into five grades using modified Clavien classification (MCC). RESULTS: RS were successfully completed in 95.5% of patients, with 4% of the procedures electively performed by the combined approach (both RP and TP); 3.2% required open conversion and 1.3% were converted to the TP approach. The most common cause for conversion was bleeding. Mean hospital stay was 3.2 ± 1.2 days and the mean time for returning of bowel sounds was 16.5 ± 5.4 h. Of the patients, 1.4% required peri-operative blood transfusion. A total of 16 patients (5%) had post-operative complications and the majority were grades I and II as per MCC. The rates of intra-operative and post-operative complications depended on the difficulty of the procedure, but the complications diminished over the years with the increasing experience of surgeons. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopy has proven an excellent approach, with certain advantages. The tips and tricks that have been provided and emphasised should definitely help to minimise the steep learning curve.