Obesity has become an increasingly prevalent issue in the U.S., and bariatric surgery has become one of the most effective solutions for those looking to lose a significant amount of weight. Bariatric surgery is a major operation that involves reducing the size of the stomach and, in some cases, rerouting the small intestine in order to limit the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. With bariatric surgery growing globally at a rate of 10% year on year, it is increasingly seen as a safe and effective tool in combating the obesity epidemic.

The recent innovations in bariatric surgery have made it an even more effective option for those looking to lose a significant amount of weight. These innovations have also made the procedure safer and easier to recover from, making it an even more viable option for those in need of weight loss solutions.

Laparoscopic techniques have made bariatric surgery quicker and less invasive than ever before. Smaller incisions are used, and the amount of time that patients spend in the operating room is drastically reduced. This means that the recovery process is much faster and less painful. However Laparoscopic surgery in the upper GI space generally requires frequent scope lens cleaning due to the lens smearing with fat and other particulates. The in-situ cleaning provided by OpClear^® solves this issue and allows the surgeon to continue without removing the scope to clean the lens.

Due to the inherent risks involved in using anaesthetic on obese patients, it is desirable to ensure the procedure is performed as quickly as possible, therefore reducing the amount of anaesthetic that is needed for each patient. OpClear^® allows the surgeon to perform the procedure with clarity of vision, thus reducing the need to remove the laparoscope for cleaning, shortening procedural time¹.

Dr. Hargroder, General & Bariatric surgeon at Mercy Hospital Carthage, discusses common frustrations for surgeons, and how OpClear^® has been “an absolute game-changer” during his mini gastric bypass procedures.

“One of the potential complications with bariatric surgery, as with any surgery really though is the longer you’re on the operating room table the higher the risk of blood clots, pneumonia, and a lot of other post-op complications, so the quicker we can complete the operation, the more advantageous for the patient.” Watch the full interview here

OpClear^® offers In-situ on-demand CO² and saline lens wash to rapidly clear larger visual obstructions such as blood or particles from energy plumes to provide continuous vision throughout each procedure. This can save time by eliminating the need to remove the scope to clean it.

For more information or to request a demonstration, contact us today.

1. Ahmed J, Ives S, Hedley C, Bidmead J. An intra-abdominal lens-cleaning device reduces operative duration in laparoscopic excision surgery for DIE: initial results of an in-service evaluation study. Presented at BSGE AGM 2019