The Benefits of Knowing Endoscopic Powder
The Benefits of Knowing Endoscopic Powder
Blog Article
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
While MIS offers benefits such as shorter recovery and less scarring compared to open surgery, it brings new challenges. 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
• Adaptable Coverage: Powdered ORC easily conforms to irregular or deep wound areas
• 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
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
• Operator Technique: Delivery efficiency varies based on how quickly and forcefully the bellows are compressed [5]
Real-World Applications of Endoscopic Powder
In surgical settings 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.
Common Uses Include:
• 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 liver surface, or a narrow endoscopic field, ORC endoscopic powder delivers the performance and flexibility modern surgery requires—safely and effectively.
References
1. Zhang Y, Song D, Huang H, Liang Z, Liu H, Huang Y, Zhong C, Ye G. Minimally invasive hemostatic materials: tackling a dilemma of fluidity and adhesion by photopolymerization in situ. Scientific Reports. 2017 Nov 10;7(1):15250.
2. De la Torre RA, Bachman SL, Wheeler AA, Bartow Endoscopic Powder KN, Scott JS. Hemostasis and hemostatic agents in minimally invasive surgery. Surgery. 2007 Oct 1;142(4):S39-45.
3. Al-Attar N, de Jonge E, Kocharian R, Ilie B, Barnett E, Berrevoet F. Safety and hemostatic effectiveness of SURGICEL® powder in mild and moderate intraoperative bleeding. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 2023 Jul;29:10760296231190376.
4. Xiao X, Wu Z. A narrative review of different hemostatic materials in emergency treatment of trauma. Emerg Med Int. 2022;2022: 6023261
5. Stark M, Wang AY, Corrigan B, Woldu HG, Azizighannad S, Cipolla G, Kocharian R, De Leon H. Comparative analyses of the hemostatic efficacy and surgical device performance of powdered oxidized regenerated cellulose and starch-based powder formulations. Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2025 Jan 1;9(1):102668.
6. Bustamante-Balén M, Plumé G. Role of hemostatic powders in the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology. 2014 Aug 15;5(3):284. Report this page