Intracorporeal ribbon gauze in laparoscopic surgery.

Good haemostasis optimizes laparoscopic visibility and performance. The use of suction reduces pneumoperitoneum and collapses the operative space, and the resulting fall in intra-abdominal pressure can increase the rate of bleeding. Therefore, other methods of improving laparoscopic visibility need to be investigated. In the present report we describe the effectiveness of a 20-40-cm length of 3-inch ribbon dressing gauze when introduced into the peritoneal cavity via a 10-12 mm laparoscopic port. Current results indicate that intracorporeal ribbon gauze can be used successfully during laparoscopic procedures as a suction filter, to assist haemostasis, to facilitate dissection and to provide atraumatic organ retraction.