Endoscopic Powder: A Game-Changer in Haemostasis for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Effective control of haemostasis is critical to the success of any surgical procedure. 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.
As surgical techniques continue to shift toward less invasive approaches, the need for effective, adaptable haemostatic solutions becomes increasingly critical—especially when conventional methods fall short.
The Haemostatic Challenge in MIS
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. Limited maneuverability, constrained visualization, and the absence of tactile feedback make it harder to manage diffuse or irregular bleeding.
Suturing, tying, or cauterising are not always feasible in minimally invasive procedures. This is where topical haemostatic products—particularly endoscopic powders—are essential for boosting visibility and rapid bleeding control.
Understanding Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
Surgi-ORC® endoscopic powder is a standout, plant-derived, absorbable haemostat with robust clinical backing. ORC was first introduced in 1943 in sheet form and has since evolved to meet the demands of modern MIS through powder formulations.
Advantages of Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
• Accelerated Clotting: ORC’s mechanism enhances platelet activity and clot formation
• Conformability: The powder’s granular shape adapts to wounds, covering both large and deep surfaces
• No Animal Content: Plant origin means reduced risk of allergic or infectious complications
• Bactericidal Properties: Acidic environment inhibits bacterial growth
• Biocompatible and Absorbable: Completely resorbed by the body with no cytotoxic effects, even near nerves or vessels
With these properties, Surgi-ORC® endoscopic powder is perfect for mild-to-moderate bleeding, particularly from capillaries, veins, or small arteries in hard-to-reach areas.
Delivery Devices: Enhancing Precision in MIS
The choice of delivery device plays a major role in the powder’s performance during MIS. Bellows pump applicators are commonly used for precise powder placement in minimally invasive settings.
How Bellows Applicators Function
Bellows applicators, which look like syringes, have various tip lengths for applying powder via laparoscopic ports. The bellows mechanism lets surgeons deposit powder accurately without blocking the field of view.
Maximizing Effectiveness: Usage Tips
• Device Orientation: The angle of application (vertical/horizontal) affects how the powder spreads—often more than compression speed
• Powder Properties: The grain size and flowability, plus moisture sensitivity, impact delivery
• Application Style: The surgeon’s technique and compression force also influence powder delivery
Where Endoscopic Powder Excels in Practice
In surgical settings where access is limited or structures are delicate, endoscopic powder proves invaluable. Its flexible form lets it cover both wide wounds and tight spaces with equal efficiency.
Typical Applications:
• Liver resections performed laparoscopically
• Cardiothoracic MIS cases
• 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:
• Hemostasis was achieved in 87.4% of Endoscopic Powder 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.
Conclusion
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.
From deep pelvic cavities to exposed liver surfaces or tight endoscopic sites, ORC-based powder provides the safe, adaptable solution surgeons need.
References
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