Concomitant laparoscopic hand-assisted radical nephrectomy and open radical prostatectomy using a single lower midline incision

The hand-assist technique offers the urologic surgeon several advantages. The technique provides the novice laparoscopist a logical segue into minimally invasive surgery by literally allowing one hand to remain in the realm of open surgery. Hand-assist access affords the laparoscopist the use of tactile sensation and blunt manual dissection and retraction. We describe an additional benefit of the hand-assist technique. In clinical situations in which more than one procedure is required, a properly positioned hand-assist device will avoid the need for two large incisions. We present simultaneous hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open radical prostatectomy performed through a single midline incision. (C) 2000, Elsevier Science Inc.