[The Infraguide system in laparoscopic surgery]

Infraguide is a system to transmit laser beams into the abdominal cavity through multiple reflexions in a hollow tube of ceramic mirror. The latter is protected by a metal tube of 3 mm outside diameter. After an experience of 45 cases, the authors analyse the advantages and the disadvantages of this system. The advantages are: the manageability, the small diameter, the excellent visibility of the pilot beam and the easy evacuation of the smoke. The disadvantage is minor: the focused spot cannot be smaller than 0.78 mm.