Abstract: A two-part modular tool and method for use thereof in conjunction with laparoscopic techniques enhances such techniques by enabling tools to be manipulated within a body cavity through small needle holes. The tool has an instrument head initially inserted through a laparoscopic port and an acuminate shaft which intracorporeally attaches to the instrument head. The instrument head is then manipulable through the needle hole at the site of desired use. The instrument head may be any tool configuration useful in surgical procedures which can be miniaturized to pass through a laparoscopic port.

Abstract: A retraction method and apparatus therefor are useful in laparoscopic surgery in a body cavity, for moving an internal organ or vessel which interferes with the surgery to an out-of-the-way displaced position and maintaining it there apart from a laparoscopic port. In this method, a sling having attached suture material is inserted into the body cavity through a laparoscopic port and manipulated about the organ/vessel to be moved, by a retractor and/or forceps. A small needle hole is then punctured into the cavity, a narrow retrieval instrument is inserted through the needle hole to retrieve the ends of several suture leads attached to the sling, and to retract them from the body cavity to move the interfering organ or vessel to a non-interfering position. The suture leads may be clamped or tied off outside the body. Tools useful with the method include a sling, a retrieval instrument and a J-hook passer-retractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for dilation of the prostate urethra which comprises a urinary catheter for insertion in the prostate urethra, dilation means comprising a balloon having an integral protuberance, said means being mounted on the proximal section of the catheter and in communication with the interior of the catheter, location means mounted axially on the catheter at a distance from the dilation means such that the location means is at the bulbous urethra when the dilation means is at the prostate urethra, and activating means for activating said dilation means and said location means. A method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia comprises inserting a catheter having dilation means and location means and removing the catheter after dilation.

Abstract: An apparatus for dilation of the prostate urethra comprises a urinary catheter for insertion in the prostate urethra, dilation means mounted on the proximal section of the catheter and in communication with the interior of the catheter, location means mounted axially on the catheter at a distance from the dilation means such that the location means is at the bulbous urethra when the dilation means is at the prostate urethra, and activating means for activating said dilation means and said location means. A method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia comprises inserting a urinary catheter having dilation means and location means and removing the catheter after dilation.