Endoscopic Powder for Haemostasis: A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Securing haemostasis effectively is essential for positive surgical outcomes. Beyond minimizing intraoperative blood loss, it significantly reduces the risks associated with transfusions and postoperative complications. However, in minimally invasive surgeries (MIS)—such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures—haemostasis presents unique challenges due to restricted access, limited visibility, and anatomical complexity.

With the rise of less invasive surgery, adaptable and efficient haemostatic agents are more vital than ever, especially where standard techniques fail.

 

 

Why Bleeding Control in MIS is Difficult

While MIS offers benefits such as shorter recovery and less scarring compared to open surgery, it brings new challenges. 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.

Suturing, tying, or cauterising are not always feasible in minimally invasive procedures. Here, topical haemostats such as endoscopic powders become essential, helping to control bleeding and improve surgical efficiency.

 

 

Surgi-ORC® Powder: An Innovative Haemostatic Solution

One of the most promising powdered forms—a plant-based, absorbable haemostat with a proven safety and efficacy profile. Originally launched as a sheet in 1943, ORC has now been adapted into powder to address the needs of current minimally invasive surgeries.

 

 

Advantages of Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder

• Accelerated Clotting: ORC’s mechanism enhances platelet activity and clot formation
• Adaptable Coverage: Powdered ORC easily conforms to irregular or deep wound areas
• Plant-Derived and Safe: No animal or human materials, so lower immune or infection risk
• 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.

 

 

Delivery Devices: Enhancing Precision in MIS

The choice of delivery device plays a major role in the powder’s performance during MIS. Bellows pump applicators are commonly used for precise powder placement in minimally invasive settings.

 

 

How Bellows Applicators Function

These applicators—resembling syringe-like devices—are equipped with short or long applicator tips designed to deliver the powder through laparoscopic ports or trocars. The bellows mechanism lets surgeons deposit powder accurately without blocking the field of view.

 

 

Maximizing Effectiveness: Usage Tips

• Device Orientation: The angle of application (vertical/horizontal) affects how the powder spreads—often more than compression speed
• Powder Properties: The grain size and flowability, plus moisture sensitivity, impact delivery
• Application Style: The surgeon’s technique and compression force also influence powder delivery

 

 

Where Endoscopic Powder Excels in Practice

In cases where visibility is poor or anatomy is complex, endoscopic powder becomes an essential tool. Its flexible form lets it cover both wide wounds and tight spaces with equal efficiency.

Typical Applications:

• 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 Evidence: Proven Performance of ORC Powder

Research on SURGICEL® Powder in 103 surgical patients found:

• Hemostasis was achieved in 87.4% of cases at 5 minutes, and 92.2% at 10 minutes
• Strong performance in open and minimally invasive settings
• No complications linked to the product: no rebleeding, clots, or negative reactions
• Surgeons rated it highly effective and easy to use, with precise powder delivery and minimal need for additional intervention [3]

This evidence supports the safety, efficiency, and flexibility of SURGICEL® Powder for difficult Endoscopic Powder bleeding scenarios.

 

 

Conclusion

With minimally invasive surgery on the rise, there’s a growing need for innovative bleeding control solutions. 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. 2014 Aug 15;5(3):284.