Continuous saline irrigation during video-assisted liver transection: The 'Waterfall' technique.

Abstract

The use of a sealing device during video-assisted liver transection has gained a lot of popularity due to its advantages in operative and patient outcomes. However, it has some technical problems including tissue debris sticking to the instrument, excessive smoke production, and loss of pneumoperitoneum from suction. Herein, we describe a novel 'Waterfall' technique that uses continuous irrigation of saline directly on the transection plane. This technique washes away tissue particles and smoke, clears the operative view, and improves the effectiveness of tissue sealing.