Comparison and clinical evaluation of hand-assist devices for hand-assisted laparoscopy

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is being used increasingly in urologic laparoscopy, particularly for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Hand-assist devices (HADs) facilitate the intra-abdominal placement of the hand during laparoscopy. There are currently three HADs available in the United States: the Pneumo Sleeve, the Hand-port, and the Intromit. The performance of each HAD is assessed regarding usage options, maintenance of pneumoperitoneum, device failure, exchange of intra-abdominal hands, adaptation to obese patients, and specimen removal. The use of these devices is reviewed based on our experience in more than 100 cases of HALS.