Combining a small urinary catheter with an endo mini-retractor: a novel technique for laparoscopic selective vascular control

The Pringle maneuver using a urinary catheter has been described and proven to be one of the best methods for laparoscopic intracorporeal vascular control. Selective vascular control provides many advantages over total inflow occlusion by the Pringle maneuver. However, laparoscopic selective vascular control by urinary catheter has not been described. We, herein, describe laparoscopic selective vascular control using a combined small urinary catheter with an endo mini-retractor, which inserted in a new way, named ‘The J-shaped Loop’. This method makes the instrument more compact so we can selectively control the vascular pedicle. When selective vascular occlusion is desired, the loop is tightened and the tension is held just by the catheter itself. This novel technique is simple, safe, effective and reproducible, and, therefore, can be used as a good alternative to other intracorporeal techniques for laparoscopic liver resection.