Insufflation-Free, Perianal Work Platform.

Abstract

There is an ever increasing volume of colorectal surgery being performed endoscopically by anal access, as well as greater employment of robotics for these procedures. Intraluminal visualization for perianal operations is today dependent on insufflation of the bowel. When full-thickness resections above the peritoneal reflection become necessary, the peritoneal cavity becomes inflated, facilitating infection and necessitating general anesthesia and patient intubation. Our patented tool was originally envisioned to enable abdominal cavity access via a single 2cm port incision, suitable for insufflation-free laparoscopic surgery, under local anesthesia (e.g., cholecystectomy). On further consideration, this instrument was modified to be used for perianal colorectal surgery.