Why Endoscopic Powder is a Trending Topic Now?
Revolutionizing Bleeding Control: The Impact of Endoscopic Powder in MIS
Securing haemostasis effectively is essential for positive surgical outcomes. Besides reducing bleeding, proper haemostasis cuts down the chances of transfusions and post-surgical issues. In minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopy or endoscopy, controlling bleeding is especially challenging due to limited space, visibility, and anatomical intricacy.
As more procedures move toward minimally invasive methods, there’s a greater demand for flexible, effective bleeding control solutions when traditional methods aren’t enough.
The Haemostatic Challenge in MIS
While MIS offers benefits such as shorter recovery and less scarring compared to open surgery, it brings new challenges. But the same factors that make MIS appealing also make bleeding control more difficult. Reduced access, poor visualisation, and no sense of touch make handling bleeding in MIS more difficult.
Conventional techniques like suturing, tying off vessels, or cauterization can be difficult to use during MIS. That’s where topical haemostatic agents, especially endoscopic powder, come into play as vital adjuncts to improve visibility, control oozing, and speed up procedures.
Understanding Surgi-ORC® Endoscopic Powder
Surgi-ORC® endoscopic powder is a standout, plant-derived, absorbable haemostat with robust clinical backing. Originally launched as a sheet in 1943, ORC has now been adapted into powder to address the needs of current minimally invasive surgeries.
Why Surgi-ORC®-Based Endoscopic Powder Stands Out
• Fast Bleeding Control: ORC speeds up clotting by promoting platelet adhesion
• Adaptable Coverage: Powdered ORC easily conforms to irregular or deep wound areas
• No Animal Content: Plant origin means reduced risk of allergic or infectious complications
• Antibacterial Environment: The oxidation process lowers pH, creating an acidic microenvironment that offers bactericidal benefits
• Fully Absorbable: Powder dissolves safely, posing no harm to nerves or vessels
Thanks to these features, Surgi-ORC® powder excels at controlling bleeding from small vessels in restricted surgical fields.
Optimizing Application with Delivery Devices in MIS
How the powder is delivered greatly influences its effectiveness in surgery. Bellows pump applicators are commonly used for precise powder placement in minimally invasive settings.
How It Works
These applicators—resembling syringe-like devices—are equipped with short or long applicator tips designed to deliver the powder through laparoscopic ports or trocars. By manually compressing the bellows, surgeons can apply a consistent amount of haemostatic agent directly onto the bleeding site without obstructing the surgical view.
Best Practices for Using Endoscopic Powder
• Device Orientation: The angle of application (vertical/horizontal) affects how the powder spreads—often more than compression speed
• Physical Properties of Powder: Particle size, flow characteristics, and moisture sensitivity also influence output
• Application Style: The surgeon’s technique and compression force also influence powder delivery
Clinical Uses of Endoscopic Powder
In cases where visibility is poor or anatomy is complex, endoscopic powder becomes an essential tool. Its adaptability allows direct application to large, raw surfaces or narrow anatomical crevices.
Typical Applications:
• Liver resections performed laparoscopically
• Cardiothoracic
• Gynaecology MIS surgeries
• Endoscopic procedures like ESD
• Urologic procedures
By enhancing visibility and enabling faster bleeding control, endoscopic haemostats can shorten operative time, reduce the need for blood products, and contribute to better surgical outcomes [6].
Clinical Data Supporting ORC Powder
A postmarket clinical study evaluating SURGICEL® Powder (ORC-based haemostatic agent) in 103 patients undergoing various surgical procedures reported:
• 87.4% of patients had bleeding stopped in 5 minutes; 92.2% within 10 minutes
• Excellent results across open and minimally invasive surgeries
• 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]
Overall, the data shows SURGICEL® Powder as a safe, effective, and adaptable haemostatic agent—especially when conventional tools aren’t enough.
Conclusion
With minimally invasive surgery on the rise, there’s a growing need for innovative bleeding control solutions. ORC-based endoscopic powders offer surgeons rapid, flexible, and reliable bleeding control options.
Whether you're managing bleeding in a deep pelvic space, a raw liver surface, or a narrow endoscopic field, ORC endoscopic powder delivers the performance and flexibility modern surgery requires—safely and effectively.
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 Endoscopic Powder 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.