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
Compared to open surgeries, MIS—such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures—offers numerous benefits like reduced recovery time and smaller scars. 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.
Surgi-ORC® Powder: An Innovative Haemostatic Solution
One of the most promising powdered forms—a plant-based, absorbable haemostat with a proven safety and efficacy profile. Originally launched as a sheet in 1943, ORC has now been adapted into powder to address the needs of current minimally invasive surgeries.
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-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
• Biodegradable and Safe: Powder is absorbed with no toxicity, even near sensitive structures
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
• Laparoscopic gynaecologic interventions
• Endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD)
• Urologic procedures
Endoscopic powders boost surgical Endoscopic Powder 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.
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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2. De la Torre RA, Bachman SL, Wheeler AA, Bartow 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.
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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.
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