The Blog on Endoscopic Powder
The Blog on Endoscopic Powder
Blog Article
Endoscopic Powder for Haemostasis: A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Surgery

The ability to achieve reliable haemostasis is vital in every surgical setting. Besides reducing bleeding, proper haemostasis cuts down the chances of transfusions and post-surgical issues. Yet, minimally invasive surgeries—like laparoscopic and endoscopic interventions—make bleeding control more complex because of restricted maneuverability and visibility.
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. These positive factors, however, increase the complexity of haemostasis. The lack of space, restricted visibility, and absence of tactile cues make diffuse or irregular bleeding especially tough to address.
Traditional methods—sutures, ligation, or electrocautery—are often impractical in these settings. 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. 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
• Conformability: The powder’s granular shape adapts to wounds, covering both large and deep surfaces
• No Animal Content: Plant origin means reduced risk of allergic or infectious complications
• Bactericidal Properties: Acidic environment inhibits bacterial growth
• 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.
Optimizing Application with Delivery Devices 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.
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. By manually compressing the bellows, surgeons can apply a consistent amount of haemostatic agent directly onto the bleeding site without obstructing the surgical view.
Key Considerations for Optimal Use
• Orientation: How you hold the device (vertically or horizontally) influences powder distribution more than how hard you squeeze
• 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]
Clinical Uses of Endoscopic Powder
When working in tight spaces or near fragile tissues, endoscopic powder is especially useful. Because of its conformability, surgeons can treat both broad raw surfaces and deep crevices with ease.
Endoscopic Powder is Commonly Used For:
• Liver resections performed laparoscopically
• Cardiothoracic
• Gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures
• Submucosal dissection cases
• Minimally invasive urology surgeries
Using endoscopic powder helps surgeons see better, stop bleeding quicker, and complete operations faster—often with less need for transfusions and better patient outcomes.
Clinical Data Supporting ORC Powder
A postmarket clinical study evaluating SURGICEL® Powder (ORC-based haemostatic agent) in 103 patients undergoing various surgical procedures reported:
• 87.4% of patients had bleeding stopped in 5 minutes; 92.2% within 10 minutes
• Effective in both open and MIS procedures
• No product-related complications—no rebleeding, thromboembolism, or adverse reactions
• Surgeons noted its ease of use, accuracy, and minimal need for extra measures
This evidence supports the safety, efficiency, and flexibility of SURGICEL® Powder for difficult bleeding scenarios.
Final Thoughts
As MIS continues to evolve, so does the demand for advanced haemostatic tools. 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 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. Endoscopic Powder 2014 Aug 15;5(3):284. Report this page