Trending Useful Information on Endoscopic Powder You Should Know
Revolutionizing Bleeding Control: The Impact of Endoscopic Powder in MIS
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.
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.
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
• Shape Plasticity: The granular structure of powdered haemostats and their shape plasticity allows them to conform easily to large and deep surface wounds
• 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
• 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
How the powder is delivered greatly influences its effectiveness in surgery. In MIS, bellows pump-based applicators are widely used to deliver endoscopic powder with accuracy and control.
How It Works
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
• 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
• Physical Properties of Powder: Particle size, flow characteristics, and moisture sensitivity also influence output
• Application Style: The surgeon’s technique and compression force also influence powder delivery
Clinical Uses of Endoscopic Powder
When working in tight spaces or near fragile tissues, endoscopic powder is especially useful. Its adaptability allows direct application to large, raw surfaces or narrow anatomical crevices.
Endoscopic Powder is Commonly Used For:
• Laparoscopic liver resections
• Cardiothoracic MIS cases
• Gynaecology MIS surgeries
• Endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD)
• Minimally invasive urology surgeries
By enhancing visibility and enabling faster bleeding control, endoscopic haemostats can shorten operative time, reduce the need for blood products, and contribute to better surgical outcomes [6].
Clinical Data Supporting ORC Powder
Research on SURGICEL® Powder in 103 surgical patients found:
• 87.4% haemostasis at 5 minutes, rising to 92.2% at 10 minutes
• Effective in both open and MIS procedures
• No complications linked to the product: no rebleeding, clots, or negative reactions
• Surgeons noted its ease of use, accuracy, and minimal need for extra measures
These findings confirm that SURGICEL® Powder is safe, efficient, and versatile, particularly for managing mild-to-moderate bleeding where traditional methods may fall short.
Final Thoughts
The future of MIS depends on effective, next-generation haemostatic agents. 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
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.