Endoscopic Powder for Haemostasis: A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Effective control of haemostasis is critical to the success of any surgical procedure. It not only limits blood loss during surgery but also lowers risks of transfusion and complications after the procedure. 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.
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. Reduced access, poor visualisation, and no sense of touch make handling bleeding in MIS more difficult.
Conventional techniques like suturing, tying off vessels, or cauterization can be difficult to use during MIS. That’s where topical haemostatic agents, especially endoscopic powder, come into play as vital adjuncts to improve visibility, control oozing, and speed up procedures.
Understanding Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
Surgi-ORC® endoscopic powder is a standout, plant-derived, absorbable haemostat with robust clinical backing. 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
• Fast Bleeding Control: ORC speeds up clotting by promoting platelet adhesion
• Adaptable Coverage: Powdered ORC easily conforms to irregular or deep wound areas
• No Animal Content: Plant origin means reduced risk of allergic or infectious complications
• Bactericidal Properties: Acidic environment inhibits bacterial growth
• Biocompatible and Absorbable: Completely resorbed by the body with no cytotoxic effects, even near nerves or vessels
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.
Key Considerations for Optimal Use
• 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
• Operator Technique: Delivery efficiency varies based on how quickly and forcefully the bellows are compressed [5]
Real-World Applications of Endoscopic Powder
When working in tight spaces or near fragile tissues, endoscopic powder is Endoscopic Powder especially useful. Its flexible form lets it cover both wide wounds and tight spaces with equal efficiency.
Typical Applications:
• Minimally invasive liver surgeries
• Thoracic surgery procedures
• Gynaecology MIS surgeries
• Endoscopic procedures like ESD
• Urological 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 such as rebleeding, thromboembolism, or side effects reported
• Surgeons rated it highly effective and easy to use, with precise powder delivery and minimal need for additional intervention [3]
Overall, the data shows SURGICEL® Powder as a safe, effective, and adaptable haemostatic agent—especially when conventional tools aren’t enough.
Conclusion
The future of MIS depends on effective, next-generation haemostatic agents. Among these, ORC endoscopic powder has proven to be both efficient and easy for surgeons to use.
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 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.