Powered Stapler Malfunction During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Shieh Ling Bang, MBChB, MRCS, MMed, YuYi Yeow, MBBS, MRCS, Keng Siang Png, MBBS, MRCS, MMed, FRCSDepartment of Urology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore (all authors).

ABSTRACT

Powered laparoscopic staplers have entered the market in the last few years. We report the first case of a malfunction of a powered laparoscopic stapler during a laparoscopic nephrectomy for a nonfunctioning kidney. The complication was salvaged with further laparoscopic maneuvers by the surgeon without conversion or any further intraoperative complication. Powered laparoscopic staplers, like the nonpowered versions, are equally prone to device malfunction despite manual safety override mechanisms. Laparoscopic surgeons using these devices must be aware of this rare complication and possess the necessary skills to troubleshoot and overcome the problem without endangering the patient.