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Minilaparotomy wound edge protector (Lap-Protector): a new device
1First Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Laparoscopic-assisted or minimally invasive surgery involving minilaparotomy is occasionally complicated by infection of the minilaparotomy wound caused by intestinal bacteria. Furthermore, when this procedure is performed to excise colorectal or gastric cancer, tumor recurrence may develop in the minilaparotomy wound. In an attempt to minimize the risk of these complications, we developed a new, easy-to-use device which we named the "Lap-Protector." Minilaparotomy was performed using the Lap-Protector in 28 patients with colon cancer and eight patients with early gastric cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgery between January and September, 1999. During a median follow-up period of 15.9 (range 12.4-21.0) months, none of the 36 patients showed any sign of wound infection or tumor recurrence in the minilaparotomy wound. These results indicated that the Lap-Protector is a safe and useful device that may help to prevent infections and cancer cell contamination of the minilaparotomy wound.
Insights
A new device, the Lap-Protector, was developed to prevent wound infections and tumor recurrence during minimally invasive surgery. Studies show it effectively protects the minilaparotomy wound in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- Minimally invasive surgery, including minilaparotomy, carries risks of wound infection from intestinal bacteria.
- Tumor recurrence in the minilaparotomy wound is a concern in procedures for colorectal and gastric cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel device, the Lap-Protector, designed to mitigate complications associated with minilaparotomy.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of the Lap-Protector in preventing wound infections and tumor recurrence.
Main Methods:
- The Lap-Protector was utilized in minimally invasive surgery for 36 patients (28 colon cancer, 8 early gastric cancer) between January and September 1999.
- A median follow-up period of 15.9 months was conducted to monitor for complications.
Main Results:
- No instances of minilaparotomy wound infection were observed in any of the 36 patients.
- No cases of tumor recurrence within the minilaparotomy wound were detected during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- The Lap-Protector is a safe and effective device for minimizing the risk of infection and tumor cell contamination in minilaparotomy wounds.
- This device shows promise in enhancing patient safety during minimally invasive cancer surgery.