the anatomy. It augments reality."
And by making it easier to detect major blood flow and other struc-
tures, it reduces the likelihood of dangerous mistakes, like nicking or
cutting the bile duct during cholecystectomies. "It lets you see the
things you want to avoid cutting," says David Renton, MD, FACS,
MPH, assistant professor of surgery at Ohio State University's Center
for Minimally Invasive Surgery in Columbus. "If it can reduce the rate
of common bile duct injuries by even 1% — which can cut 5 years off
someone's life — it's dirt cheap compared to what it saves."
"It's useful for all kinds of procedures," adds Dr. Oleynikov. "Any
procedure where you want to know how good the blood flow is –
colon surgery, plastic surgery or intestinal surgery, for example."
4
Narrow band imaging
Narrow band imaging, developed by Olympus, is another visu-
alization tool that can lead to better outcomes. The technolo-
gy filters light waves in such a way that peak light absorption of
hemoglobin occurs in endoscopic procedures.
By helping surgeons see through some of the superficial epithelium
or other superficial tissues, it allows you to see things you couldn't
see before, says Dr. Rosemurgy. "Barrett's esophagus jumps out at
you. Some pre-malignant neoplastic change might jump out, as well. It
can make it possible to visualize endometriosis or to see the blood
vessels on the ureter, so you don't cut it."
5
Pneumoperitoneum management
Regional blocks help address somatic pain during abdominal
laparoscopic procedures, but visceral pain can still be an
issue, says Bruce Ramshaw, MD, co-director of Advanced Hernia
Solutions and chief medical officer of Surgical Momentum in Atlanta,
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