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Endoscopic Powder: A Game-Changer in Haemostasis for 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. Yet, minimally invasive surgeries—like laparoscopic and endoscopic interventions—make bleeding control more complex because of restricted maneuverability and visibility.
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
Compared to open surgeries, MIS—such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures—offers numerous benefits like reduced recovery time and smaller scars. 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.
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.
Advantages of Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
• Accelerated Clotting: ORC’s mechanism enhances platelet activity and clot formation
• 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
• Bactericidal Properties: Acidic environment inhibits bacterial growth
• Biodegradable and Safe: Powder is absorbed with no toxicity, even near sensitive structures
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.
Operation of Endoscopic Powder Applicators
These applicators—resembling syringe-like devices—are equipped with short or long applicator tips designed to deliver the powder through laparoscopic ports or trocars. 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
• Operator Technique: Delivery efficiency varies based on how quickly and forcefully the bellows are compressed [5]
Where Endoscopic Powder Excels in Practice
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.
Typical Applications:
• Minimally invasive liver surgeries
• 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
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 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 Endoscopic Powder 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.