Interstitial laser ablation of the kidney: acute and chronic porcine study using new-generation diffuser tip fiber.

Background And Purpose: Many ablative techniques have been described for treatment of small renal tumors. We investigated interstitial laser ablation (ILA) of porcine kidneys with a new-generation diffuser tip fiber.

Materials And Methods: Six female farm pigs underwent bilateral lower-pole ILA of normal kidneys via a midline approach.

Use of Lowsley tractor during laparoscopic prostatectomy to reduce urethrovesical anastomotic tension.

We describe a technique to reduce the tension on the urethra while performing the urethrovesical anastomosis during a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. A Lowsley tractor is passed through the urethral stump, and a single traction stitch is placed in the posterior bladder neck. The first anastomotic stitch is placed through the urethra and bladder neck at the 6 o'clock position but not tied.