10. Laparoscopic Hemostasis: Hemostatic Products and Adjuncts

Abstract

Laparoscopy demands a bloodless field, as the surgeon does not have direct manual access to the operative field. Furthermore, visualization is easily lost as blood absorbs the light of the laparoscope. Meticulous surgical technique, including precise tissue dissection and proper identification of vascular anatomy, will help avoid bleeding complications. A wide variety of hemostatic tools exist to assist the surgeon should bleeding occur. This chapter focuses on two major hemostatic modalities: mechanical devices and tissue sealants. Thermal hemostatic modalities are discussed elsewhere.