ly some combi-
nation of warm-
ing and anti-fog
solution helps."
In a study Dr.
Nezhat authored
(osmag.net/gE5QqG),
he found that
using a device to
warm and
humidify the
insufflation gas
in addition to
applying an anti-
fog coating to be the most effective solution, especially in robotic sur-
gery. "It's always been a problem, especially if you use a smaller diame-
ter scope," he says. "We combined the anti-fog solution and humidify-
ing the insufflation, and it worked the best."
3
Remove smudges and debris
Debris can be one of the more difficult site impairments to take
care of during laparoscopy, though companies are working on
new options to keep scopes clear. Applying a surfactant substance on
the lens can help protect against smudges, while Dr. Renton points to
"smudge-resistant" trocars, which help wipe the scope clean every
time it's inserted through the port.
Another option is sheaths that attach to the ends of the camera and
direct CO2 from the insufflator to flow over the lens to prevent fog-
ging and repel debris. "But they're becoming less popular, since it
makes the scope bigger and can require larger ports," says Dr. Renton.
M A R C H 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 1 3
• TWICE THE FIGHT Using an anti-fog solution in addition to warming the insufflation gas is
the optimal way to avoid fog during a case.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
