Practical hints for hemostasis in laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

With the developments achieved in recent years in laparoscopic surgery, the field has acquired a host of new techniques to achieve haemostasis, allowing the surgeon to tackle complex procedures. These techniques include physical modalities (as simple as compression or suturing and as sophisticated as endovascular staples), thermal modalities (such as bipolar coagulation, laser or ultrasonic dissectors), and topical sealants (e.g. Fibrin glue or gelatine matrix). It is up to the laparoscopic surgeon to be familiar with all these different modalities and their proper use and limitations. It should also be kept in mind that the best approach to haemostasis in laparoscopy is prevention by thorough case preparation and meticulous dissection technique. We herein expose an overview of the available techniques to achieve haemostatic control in laparoscopic surgery in the emergency as well as the elective setting. Representative surgeries are used for illustrative purposes to describe special manoeuvres.