WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new surgical technique could offer a way to treat gastrointestinal diseases that, unlike minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches, does not require any skin incisions, according to a report released Wednesday. The authors believe this approach could hasten postoperative recovery.
The technique, known as flexible transgastric peritoneoscopy (FTP), involves the insertion of an endoscope into the stomach. A small incision is then made in the stomach and the overlying peritoneum to facilitate the passage of instruments to the intraabdominal organ of interest.
In an animal study, Dr. Anthony Kalloo, from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and colleagues showed that FTP was a technically feasible method to repair the intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and uterus.
The new approach is described in the July issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
“FTP may dramatically change the way we practice surgery,” Dr. Kalloo said in a statement. “The technique is less invasive than even laparoscopy...and it may prove a viable alternate to existing surgical procedures.”
The researchers have tested their technique on pigs using standard endoscopic equipment. They are hoping for the development of specialized equipment before they begin tests on people.
In one experiment they took liver biopsy samples from pigs, which recovered completely with no signs of serious infection or other complications, they said.
“Because the lining of the stomach repairs faster than skin, recovery times should be reduced,” Kalloo added.
Source: Gastrointest Endosc 2004;59. [ Google search on this article ]
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