Characterisation and mitigation of gas leaks at laparoscopy: an international prospective, multi-center cohort clinical trial.

Introduction: Gas leaks polluting the operating room are common in laparoscopy. Studies defining methods for sensitive leak characterisation and mechanical mitigation in real world settings are, however, lacking.

Methods: Mobile optical gas imagers (both a miniaturised Schlieren system and sensitive tripod-mounted near-infrared carbon dioxide camera (GF343, FLIR)) prospectively defined trocar-related gas leaks occurring either spontaneously or with instrumentation during planned laparoscopic surgery at three hospitals.