Use of the intestinal isolation bag in gynecologic surgery

Exposure of the operative site during laparotomy is, at times, suboptimal. The major viscera requiring retraction out of the operative field are the small intestines. Usually, multiple cloth laparotomy packs are used to compress and displace the intestines. We describe the use of an intestinal isolation bag to house the small intestines and keep them out of the operative field. Using this technique, laparotomy packs are not required. Because the bag itself takes up very little space, the size of the operating field is not compromised. In addition, the bag does not abrade or desiccate the bowel, potentially reducing serosal injury and adhesion formation.