Endoscopic Powder for Haemostasis: A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Securing haemostasis effectively is essential for positive surgical outcomes. Beyond minimizing intraoperative blood loss, it significantly reduces the risks associated with transfusions and postoperative complications. However, in minimally invasive surgeries (MIS)—such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures—haemostasis presents unique challenges due to restricted access, limited visibility, and anatomical complexity.
With the rise of less invasive surgery, adaptable and efficient haemostatic agents are more vital than ever, especially where standard techniques fail.
Why Bleeding Control in MIS is Difficult
Compared to open surgeries, MIS—such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures—offers numerous benefits like reduced recovery time and smaller scars. These positive factors, however, increase the complexity of haemostasis. The lack of space, restricted visibility, and absence of tactile cues make diffuse or irregular bleeding especially tough to address.
Traditional methods—sutures, ligation, or electrocautery—are often impractical in these settings. Here, topical haemostats such as endoscopic powders become essential, helping to control bleeding and improve surgical efficiency.
Spotlight on Surgi-ORC®-Based Endoscopic Powder
Among haemostatic powders, plant-based, absorbable types like Surgi-ORC® have demonstrated both safety and effectiveness. Introduced decades ago as a sheet, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) is now available in powder form for today’s MIS challenges.
Key Benefits of Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
• Fast Bleeding Control: ORC speeds up clotting by promoting platelet adhesion
• Shape Plasticity: The granular structure of powdered haemostats and their shape plasticity allows them to conform easily to large and deep surface wounds
• Plant-Based Safety: Free from animal or human components, it reduces risks of immune reactions and disease transmission
• Antibacterial Action: Acidic pH helps kill bacteria at the wound site
• Fully Absorbable: Powder dissolves safely, posing no harm to nerves or vessels
Thanks to these features, Surgi-ORC® powder excels at controlling bleeding from small vessels in restricted surgical fields.
Precision Application: Endoscopic Powder Delivery Devices
The delivery method is a critical yet often overlooked factor in a powder’s haemostatic performance. Most MIS procedures rely on bellows-type applicators for controlled and accurate powder delivery.
How It Works
Syringe-style bellows devices, fitted with short or long tips, can deliver powder through MIS access points. Compressing the bellows dispenses a controlled amount of powder right onto the bleed, maintaining clear visibility.
Best Practices for Using Endoscopic Powder
• Orientation: The angle of device orientation (vertical vs. horizontal) has a significant impact on the amount and spread of the powder. Surprisingly, orientation often affects performance more than the speed or force of compression
• Powder Characteristics: Particle size, flow, and how the powder handles moisture will affect performance
• Surgeon Technique: Output depends on the speed and force used when compressing the bellows
Clinical Uses of Endoscopic Powder
In cases where visibility is poor or anatomy is complex, endoscopic powder becomes an essential tool. Its flexible form lets it cover both wide wounds and tight spaces with equal efficiency.
Endoscopic Powder is Commonly Used For:
• Liver resections performed laparoscopically
• Cardiothoracic
• Gynaecology MIS surgeries
• Endoscopic procedures like ESD
• Minimally invasive urology surgeries
Using endoscopic powder helps surgeons see better, stop bleeding quicker, and complete operations faster—often with less need for transfusions and better patient outcomes.
Clinical Evidence: Proven Performance of ORC Powder
Research on SURGICEL® Powder in 103 surgical patients found:
• Hemostasis was achieved in 87.4% of cases at 5 minutes, and 92.2% at 10 minutes
• Excellent results across open and minimally invasive surgeries
• No complications such as rebleeding, thromboembolism, or side effects reported
• Surgeons found it easy to use, highly effective, and praised the precise delivery with little extra intervention needed
These findings confirm that SURGICEL® Powder is safe, efficient, and versatile, particularly for managing mild-to-moderate bleeding where traditional methods may fall short.
Summary
The future of MIS depends on effective, next-generation haemostatic agents. Endoscopic powder, particularly ORC-based formulations, stands out as a reliable, fast-acting, Endoscopic Powder and surgeon-friendly solution for bleeding control.
No matter the complexity—be it confined spaces, delicate organs, or irregular wounds—ORC endoscopic powder ensures safe, effective bleeding control for today’s surgical demands.
References
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