%0 Journal Article
%T Vaginal ultrasound-guided Pouch of Douglas robotic entry in a live ovine model and human female cadaveric specimens.
%A Alshiek J
%A Marroquin J
%A Shobeiri SA
%J J Robot Surg
%V 0
%N 0
%D Feb 2021 12
%M 33576913
%F 2.484
%R 10.1007/s11701-021-01203-w
%X We aimed to determine whether intraoperative ultrasound is a feasible tool for visualization of the pouch of Douglas (POD) to facilitate a safe vaginal entry for direct robotic vaginal trocar insertion for pelvic floor surgery. Endovaginal ultrasound-guided needle insertion of a trocar into the POD was performed in six fresh frozen female cadavers and a live sheep animal model. Using an endovaginal probe the POD was identified as a fluid-filled space clear of bowel or adhesions, then a Veress needle was also used to confirm POD localization. Access to the POD was achieved using a robotic trocar designed for this purpose. The animal study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Asaf-Harofe hospital. Direct visualization during laparoscopy in cadavers and open cadaveric dissections confirmed safe POD entry and accurate trocar placement. This method was found feasible in the development of a safe vaginal entry in both the animal and cadaveric model, possibly negating the need for laparoscopic umbilical observation.