The present study on standardization of port placement for laparoscopic unilateral nephrectomy was done in 26 pigs. The pigs were allotted to 3 groups based on their body weight viz., group I (<20 kg), group II (between 20 to 25 kg), and group III (> 25 kg). Further, each group was subdivided into 2 on the basis of clashing and non clashing of instruments, and termed as ‘clash’ and ‘non clash’ groups. After securing the animal in lateral recumbency all pigs underwent laparoscopic nephrectomies using three trocar technique as per the standard procedure. Camera, working and backhand ports were placed at variable lengths from angle of last costovertebral joint, last rib, umbilicus, xiphoid, stifle joint and tuber coxae. The measurements (cm) between the ports and selected bony prominences were taken with pigs still under insufflated state. In pigs weighing between 12–19 kg (Group I) camera port could be placed at a distance of 5 cm each from umbilicus and stifle joint, and the working port could be placed at a distance of 5 cm or more from last rib; further with the increase in body weight, 1 cm length was increased for both the ports. Overall a distance of 12–16 cm between stifle joint and working port should be maintained and backhand port should be placed at a distance of 18 cm or less from xiphoid.
Port placement, Laparoscopic nephrectomy, Pigs
