Endoscopic Powder - Knowing The Best For You
Endoscopic Powder - Knowing The Best For You
Blog Article
Endoscopic Powder for Haemostasis: A Breakthrough in 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. 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 more procedures move toward minimally invasive methods, there’s a greater demand for flexible, effective bleeding control solutions when traditional methods aren’t enough.
Why Bleeding Control in MIS is Difficult
Minimally invasive surgery provides advantages including faster healing and minimal scarring, but also presents new obstacles for bleeding control. But the same factors that make MIS appealing also make bleeding control more difficult. 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. Here, topical haemostats such as endoscopic powders become essential, helping to control bleeding and improve surgical efficiency.
Understanding Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
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.
Why Surgi-ORC®-Based Endoscopic Powder Stands Out
• Accelerated Clotting: ORC’s mechanism enhances platelet activity and clot formation
• 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
• Fully Absorbable: Powder dissolves safely, posing no harm to nerves or vessels
These characteristics make Surgi-ORC® endoscopic powder an ideal choice for managing mild to moderate bleeding—especially capillary, venous, or small arterial oozing in confined spaces.
Precision Application: Endoscopic Powder Delivery Devices
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
Syringe-style bellows devices, fitted with short or long tips, can deliver powder through MIS access points. The bellows mechanism lets surgeons deposit powder accurately without blocking the field of view.
Best Practices for Using Endoscopic Powder
• 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
• Powder Properties: The grain size and flowability, plus moisture sensitivity, impact delivery
• Application Style: The surgeon’s technique and compression force also influence powder delivery
Real-World Applications of Endoscopic Powder
In cases where visibility is poor or anatomy is complex, endoscopic powder becomes an essential tool. Its flexible form lets it cover both wide wounds and tight spaces with equal efficiency.
Common Uses Include:
• Minimally invasive liver surgeries
• Thoracic surgery procedures
• Laparoscopic gynaecologic interventions
• Submucosal dissection cases
• Urologic procedures
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].
ORC Powder: Efficacy and Safety in Studies
Research on SURGICEL® Powder in 103 surgical patients found:
• Hemostasis was achieved in 87.4% of cases at 5 minutes, and 92.2% at 10 minutes
• Excellent results across open and minimally invasive surgeries
• No product-related complications—no rebleeding, thromboembolism, or adverse reactions
• Surgeons found it easy to use, highly effective, and praised the precise delivery with little extra intervention needed
Overall, the data shows SURGICEL® Powder as a safe, effective, and adaptable haemostatic agent—especially when conventional tools aren’t enough.
Summary
With minimally invasive surgery on the rise, there’s a growing need for innovative bleeding control solutions. Among these, ORC endoscopic powder has proven to be both efficient and easy for surgeons to use.
From deep pelvic cavities to exposed liver surfaces or tight endoscopic sites, ORC-based powder provides the safe, adaptable solution surgeons need.
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 Endoscopic Powder 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 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