Endoscopic Powder: A Game-Changer in Haemostasis for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Securing haemostasis effectively is essential for positive surgical outcomes. Besides reducing bleeding, proper haemostasis cuts down the chances of transfusions and post-surgical issues. In minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopy or endoscopy, controlling bleeding is especially challenging due to limited space, visibility, and anatomical intricacy.
With the rise of less invasive surgery, adaptable and efficient haemostatic agents are more vital than ever, especially where standard techniques fail.
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. 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. This is where topical haemostatic products—particularly endoscopic powders—are essential for boosting visibility and rapid bleeding control.
Spotlight on Surgi-ORC®-Based Endoscopic Powder
One of the most promising powdered forms—a plant-based, absorbable haemostat with a proven safety and efficacy profile. ORC was first introduced in 1943 in sheet form and has since evolved to meet the demands of modern MIS through powder formulations.
Why Surgi-ORC®-Based Endoscopic Powder Stands Out
• Effective Haemostasis: ORC facilitates platelet adhesion and aggregation to accelerate clotting
• Conformability: The powder’s granular shape adapts to wounds, covering both large and deep surfaces
• Plant-Based Safety: Free from animal or human components, it reduces risks of immune reactions and disease transmission
• Antibacterial Environment: The oxidation process lowers pH, creating an acidic microenvironment that offers bactericidal benefits
• Biodegradable and Safe: Powder is absorbed with no toxicity, even near sensitive structures
These characteristics make Surgi-ORC® endoscopic powder an ideal choice for managing mild to moderate bleeding—especially capillary, venous, or small arterial oozing in confined spaces.
Delivery Devices: Enhancing Precision in MIS
The delivery method is a critical yet often overlooked factor in a powder’s haemostatic performance. In MIS, bellows pump-based applicators are widely used to deliver endoscopic powder with accuracy and control.
Operation of Endoscopic Powder Applicators
Bellows applicators, which look like syringes, have various tip lengths for applying powder via laparoscopic ports. By manually compressing the bellows, surgeons can apply a consistent amount of haemostatic agent directly onto the bleeding site without obstructing the surgical view.
Key Considerations for Optimal Use
• Orientation: How you hold the device (vertically or horizontally) influences powder distribution more than how hard you squeeze
• Physical Properties of Powder: Particle size, flow characteristics, and moisture sensitivity also influence output
• Surgeon Technique: Output depends on the speed and force used when compressing the bellows
Real-World Applications of Endoscopic Powder
In surgical settings Endoscopic Powder where access is limited or structures are delicate, endoscopic powder proves invaluable. Its adaptability allows direct application to large, raw surfaces or narrow anatomical crevices.
Endoscopic Powder is Commonly Used For:
• Laparoscopic liver resections
• Thoracic surgery procedures
• Laparoscopic gynaecologic interventions
• Endoscopic submucosal dissections (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:
• 87.4% haemostasis at 5 minutes, rising to 92.2% at 10 minutes
• Effective in both open and MIS procedures
• No product-related complications—no rebleeding, thromboembolism, or adverse reactions
• Surgeons noted its ease of use, accuracy, and minimal need for extra measures
These findings confirm that SURGICEL® Powder is safe, efficient, and versatile, particularly for managing mild-to-moderate bleeding where traditional methods may fall short.
Final Thoughts
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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