Retroperitoneoscopy: Effects of Insufflation Media on Surrounding Tissue During Balloon Rupture

Abstract

There has been recent interest in using balloon dilation to create an extraperitoneal working space to perform retroperitoneoscopy. Balloon dilation is not without risk, and incorrect placement or rupture can result in tissue damage. We developed an ex vivo model to assess the effect of various filling media on tissue injury during balloon rupture. As would be expected from theoretical considerations, greater energy was released during rupture of the gas-filled balloon than a liquid-filled balloon. These data indicate that liquid filling medium is preferable to gas when creating an extraperitoneal working space.