M I N I - L A P
in larger sizes. With the growing movement toward reduced-port or single-port surgery, the development of needlescopic and mini-lap technology has become incredibly important. Needlescopic instruments are disposable self-contained systems — the tips of the sheaths house needles, letting surgeons pop them through the abdominal wall and employ graspers without the use of an additional port. It's a useful and efficient design that improves mini-lap's cosmetic results even more, but dissection using the handles of these devices can be challenging.
Although current mini-lap trocar options are limited, more companies are designing smaller ports. In addition, newer 3mm endoscopic camera designs are much improved, providing surgeons with better views of the surgical cavity during mini-lap procedures. OSM
Dr. Curcillo (pgc@curcillo.com) is the director of minimally invasive surgical initiatives and development at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
