The feasibility to perform emergency laparotomy using visual puncture system

Objective To investigate the feasibility to perform emergency laparotomy using a visual puncture system. Methods A micro imaging fiber (0.9 mm) was delivered into the 18G needle to develop the visual puncture system. The comparison of puncture-to-abdomen time and incision size between the visual puncture system (visual group) and traditional laparoscopy was investigated in five fresh cadavers of healthy canines. Results This visual puncture system provided clear image of abdominal viscerals. In comparison to the traditional group, the visual group had less puncture-to-abdomen time [(2.54±0.32) s vs (9.65±0.60) s, P<0.001] and smaller incision size [(1.30±0.02) mm vs (11.81±1.03) mm, P<0.001]. Conclusion This visual puncture system meets the requirements of initial design and provides an alternative platform for emergency laparotomy in future. Key words: Visual puncture system; Emergency laparotomy; Feasibility