Original Article


An intraabdominal stent system for gasless laparoscopic surgery in animal model: potential benefits and limitations

Chih-Hao Chen, Ho Chang, Tsang-Pai Liu, Hung-Chang Liu, Chao-Hung Chen

Abstract

Background: Conventionally, laparoscopic surgery was performed in the setting of artificial pneumoperitoneum. Some devices were developed allowing surgeons to perform gasless laparoscopic surgery by way of lifting methods. The application of lifting methods was quite limited because the created space was narrow. In the study, we attempted to design an intra-abdominal stenting device in order to create an acceptable operative space.
Methods: The device was designed to be composed of two key components using multiple segments of stainless steel stick with several joints and an expanding controller. The device was placed into the peritoneal cavity through an umbilical incision followed by expansion of the stent. The procedure was tested in two experimental pigs to simulate the condition of laparoscopic surgery.
Results: The device was tested for the plausibility and feasibility during the preparation stage of laparoscopic surgery and compared its efficacy to that of pneumoperitoneum using carbon dioxide (CO2). The results showed that the device was an acceptable alternative to conventional pneumoperitoneum.
Conclusions: The intra-abdominal stenting device is an acceptable alternative to conventional pneumoperitoneum. The study confirmed its feasibility and plausibility.

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