Retrieving benign specimens from the peritoneal cavity following laparoscopic excision: A review of the literature

The advantages of operative laparoscopy include small incisions, less postoperative pain, short hospital stay, earlier recovery and improved quality of life during the postoperative period. Different techniques have been described to facilitate the retrieval of excised masses without needing to enlarge the abdominal incision. Specimen extraction in laparoscopic surgery is more time consuming than open procedures and tissue removal must be performed in an expeditious manner if the cost-effectiveness of the technique is to be maintained. The authors review the various routes for the retrieval of benign specimens following laparoscopic excision and discuss associate risks an factors, which will influence the optimal choice of route. These routes include retrieval via the trocar using an endobag, morcellation, posterior colpotomy and mini-laparotomy. Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopy (NOTES) may be the operative and retrieval route of the future, is also briefly discussed.