Open Access

MINIMALLY INVASIVE AND ROBOTIC SURGERY

Rectal Hem-o-lok clip migration after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Simon D. Wu, Ricardo R. Rios, Joshua J. Meeks, Robert B. Nadler

Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Robert B. Nadler, Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 North St. Clair Street, Galter 20-150, Chicago, Illinois 60611 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2009, 16(6), 4939-4940.

Abstract

Introduction: Weck Hem-o-Lok clip migration into the bladder has been reported after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). We report a case of Weck clip migration into the rectum presenting as a mass on colonoscopy.
Methods: A 61-year-old male with a prostate specific antigen level of 4.84 ng/ml underwent transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate revealing a Gleason's 3 + 3 adenocarcinoma of the prostate involving 20% of the sampled tissue for the left apex. He was subsequently treated with a transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Weck Hem-o-Lok clips were used to ligate the prostate vascular pedicles. The vesicourethral anastomosis was performed using a double armed running technique.
Results: Final pathology demonstrated a Gleason 4 + 3 pT2cN0Mx adenocarcinoma of the prostate with negative margins. Four lymph nodes were negative for malignancy. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, patient was found to have a Weck Hem-o-Lok clip that migrated into his rectum. This was found on colonoscopy performed for diverticular disease of the colon. The clip was removed without complication.
Conclusions: Judicious use of Weck clips during RALP and communication with physicians participating in patient care for those who have undergone RALP is crucial in minimizing complications and avoiding subsequent procedures.

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