Endoscopic Powder: A Game-Changer in Haemostasis for Minimally Invasive Surgery
The ability to achieve reliable haemostasis is vital in every surgical setting. It not only limits blood loss during surgery but also lowers risks of transfusion and complications after the procedure. In minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopy or endoscopy, controlling bleeding is especially challenging due to limited space, visibility, and anatomical intricacy.
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. That’s where topical haemostatic agents, especially endoscopic powder, come into play as vital adjuncts to improve visibility, control oozing, and speed up procedures.
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.
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
• No Animal Content: Plant origin means reduced risk of allergic or infectious complications
• Antibacterial Environment: The oxidation process lowers pH, creating an acidic microenvironment that offers bactericidal benefits
• Fully Absorbable: Powder dissolves safely, posing no harm to nerves or vessels
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.
Optimizing Application with Delivery Devices in MIS
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.
Operation of Endoscopic Powder Applicators
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.
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:
• Minimally invasive liver surgeries
• Cardiothoracic MIS cases
• Gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures
• Endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD)
• Urologic procedures
Endoscopic powders boost surgical efficiency by speeding up haemostasis, cutting transfusion needs, and improving results.
Clinical Data Supporting ORC Powder
A postmarket clinical study evaluating SURGICEL® Powder (ORC-based haemostatic agent) in 103 patients undergoing various surgical procedures reported:
• 87.4% of patients had bleeding stopped in 5 minutes; 92.2% within 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
Overall, the data shows SURGICEL® Powder as a safe, effective, and adaptable haemostatic agent—especially when conventional tools aren’t enough.
Final Thoughts
As MIS continues to evolve, so does the demand for advanced haemostatic tools. ORC-based endoscopic powders offer surgeons rapid, flexible, and reliable bleeding control options.
Whether you're managing bleeding in a deep pelvic space, a raw Endoscopic Powder liver surface, or a narrow endoscopic field, ORC endoscopic powder delivers the performance and flexibility modern surgery requires—safely and effectively.
References
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