EASY (endoscopic approach to the symphysis): a new minimally invasive approach for the plate osteosynthesis of the symphysis and the anterior pelvic ring-a cadaver study and first clinical results

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive surgical approaches to reduce approach-associated morbidity are an interdisciplinary goal in surgery. In principle, the endoscopic approach for the extraperitoneal repair of groin hernias is the minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach, which is used for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries in traumatology.

Method: Anatomical feasibility study regarding the plate osteosynthesis of the anterior pelvic ring via a minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach.

Results: We present the minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach in a human cadaver step by step, both photographically and radiologically. Feasibility of the plate osteosynthesis of the symphysis is presented in a patient with open book injury via the minimally invasive approach using standard laparoscopic instruments.

Conclusion: The plate osteosynthesis of the anterior pelvic ring via the minimally invasive variant of the modified Stoppa-approach is feasible with existing standard laparoscopic instruments.

Keywords: EASY-approach; Minimally invasive surgery; Pelvic ring; Plate osteosynthesis; Stoppa-approach; Symphysis.