Use of the Endopath Optiview after Failed Conventional Cannula Insertion

Cannula insertion is considered to fail after three unsuccessful attempts to enter the abdominal cavity with standard cannulas. A prospective clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of Endopath Optiview after failed insertion of conventional cannulas. Cannula insertion was unsuccessful in 4 of 267 women undergoing elective laparoscopic sterilization. In all four women the Endopath Optiview was introduced successfully into the abdominal cavity. In two women omental adhesions had to be transversed. The Endopath Optiview is valuable for recognizing and evaluating the path of failed cannula insertions in the abdominal wall. It is crucial to verify intraabdominal adhesions and safely separate them under direct visualization during the insertion.