What is single incision surgery?
Single incision surgery is performed through one incision
made in the patient’s abdomen, typically hidden within the natural fold of the bellybutton.
This differs from standard laparoscopic surgery, which typically involves 3-5 incisions.
The single incision approach is the latest advancement in minimally invasive surgery.
The photo to the left features a patient’s abdomen just six weeks after undergoing
a single incision gallbladder removal using the GelPOINT
system.
What is the GelPOINT System?
Surgeons can perform a variety of procedures through a
single incision with the GelPOINT system, enhancing
cosmetic results and potentially minimizing pain. The GelPOINT system consists of
two main components: the GelSeal cap and the Alexis
wound protector/retractor. The Alexis wound protector/retractor is inserted into
the incision site at the beginning of the procedure. It allows the surgeon a better
view of the working site and protects the patient from infection. Once the Alexis
protector/retractor is placed, the GelSeal cap is fitted on top. Surgical instruments
are passed through the GelSeal cap into the abdomen, as seen in the cross section
to the right.
What is Surgical Site Infection (SSI)?
SSI is an infection that occurs after surgery at the same part of the body that
the surgery took place.Ref
Symptoms include redness, pain or fluid drainage surrounding the location of the
surgery, and/or a fever. Ref
How does SSI affect patients?
On average, wound infection patients:
- spend an additional 7-10 days in the hospital Ref
- are 60% more likely to spend time in ICU Ref
- are 5 times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital Ref
- have a 2-11 times higher risk of death than patients without an SSI Ref
- require an additional cost of $11,087 to $34,670 per infection Ref
How does SSI affect healthcare?
- SSI has added $3 to $10 billion to the cost of healthcare in the United States
Ref
- 2% to 5% of patients undergoing inpatient surgery will develop an SSI
Ref
- there were over 290,000 cases of SSI in 2002, which resulted in over 8,000 deaths
Ref
How does the Alexis Wound Protector/Retractor protect patients from SSI?
Ref
The Alexis Wound Protector/Retractor is a
medical device made of a sheath connecting two rings. The device retracts, or draws
back, the incision and simultaneously protects the wound. By creating a barrier
around the incision, the sheath protects the surgical site from exposure to organisms
that may cause an infection, whether it is from the air, the patient’s own bodily
microorganisms or contact during the procedure.
Studies have shown that using the wound protector/retractor significantly
reduces the risk of surgical site infection. Ref
What is a trocar?
A trocar is a medical device that provides access to the abdominal cavity during
a laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure typically
performed through 3-5 small incisions in a patient’s abdomen, using a camera for
visualization. Trocars are placed within each incision and surgical instruments,
along with the camera, are passed through them.
A trocar consists of three primary components:
- Cannula: A cannula is a tube-shaped shaft placed in the patient
to allow access into the abdominal cavity during a laparoscopic procedure
- Seal: Located at the top of the cannula, the seal allows instruments
to pass through the cannula while preventing air from escaping from the abdominal
cavity. Maintaining proper air pressure is key during a laparoscopic procedure because
it allows surgeons to properly view the surgical field.
- Obturator: The obturator is a mechanism that allows the cannula
to penetrate the abdomen.
What kinds of trocars does Applied Medical offer?
To view Applied Medical’s comprehensive line of trocar offerings, please
click here.
What are laparoscopic instruments?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed through 3-5 small
incisions in a patient’s abdomen and using a camera for visualization. Laparoscopic
instruments are designed to perform a procedure through tubes that are placed in
the abdomen, known as trocars.
- Scissors — Scissors transect, or cut across, tissue.
- Dissectors — Dissectors separate tissue along their natural lines of separation.
In addition to dissecting, these medical devices may also grasp and mobilize, or
move, tissue.
- Graspers — Graspers allow surgeons to manipulate tissue just as they would with
their hands. Depending on the jaws of the graspers, the devices can grab hold of
fine, delicate or fibrous tissue.
What kinds of instruments does Applied Medical offer?
To view Applied Medical’s comprehensive line of instruments, please click here.