Endoscopic Powder for Haemostasis: A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Securing haemostasis effectively is essential for positive surgical outcomes. It not only limits blood loss during surgery but also lowers risks of transfusion and complications after the procedure. 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.
As more procedures move toward minimally invasive methods, there’s a greater demand for flexible, effective bleeding control solutions when traditional methods aren’t enough.
Challenges of Haemostasis in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery provides advantages including faster healing and minimal scarring, but also presents new obstacles for bleeding control. However, these benefits come with the challenge of difficult bleeding management. Reduced access, poor visualisation, and no sense of touch make handling bleeding in MIS more difficult.
Conventional techniques like suturing, tying off vessels, or cauterization can be difficult to use during MIS. This is where topical haemostatic products—particularly endoscopic powders—are essential for boosting visibility and rapid bleeding control.
Understanding Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
One of the most promising powdered forms—a plant-based, absorbable haemostat with a proven safety and efficacy profile. Introduced decades ago as a sheet, oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) is now available in powder form for today’s MIS challenges.
Advantages of Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
• Fast Bleeding Control: ORC speeds up clotting by promoting platelet adhesion
• Adaptable Coverage: Powdered ORC easily conforms to irregular or deep wound areas
• Plant-Derived and Safe: No animal or human materials, so lower immune or infection risk
• 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. By manually compressing the bellows, surgeons can apply a consistent amount of haemostatic agent directly onto the bleeding site without obstructing the surgical view.
Maximizing Effectiveness: Usage Tips
• 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
• Application Style: The surgeon’s technique and compression force also influence powder delivery
Where Endoscopic Powder Excels in Practice
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.
Typical Applications:
• Liver resections performed laparoscopically
• Cardiothoracic
• Gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures
• Submucosal dissection cases
• 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:
• 87.4% of patients had bleeding stopped in 5 minutes; 92.2% within 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, 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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