Quick Port Closure System Creates Airtight Seal

An automated port closure device for laparoscopic entry wounds offers a protected means of consistent, airtight fascial closure, potentially avoiding port site herniation.

The NeatClose device is inserted into the port opening at the end of the laparoscopic procedure. Once inside the operating cavity, the handle levers are squeezed to release two blunt needle guides. These guides are positioned perpendicular to the port plane, and put in firm contact with the peritoneum. The activation button is then pressed, which releases the needles from the guide, through the tissue, and back to the NeatClose cartridge. The system is then pulled outside the port and the two presenting threads are tied in the standard fashion. A safe and efficient airtight seal is created.


The NeatClose produces an airtight seal in less than 20 seconds, which can lead to significant timesavings in the operating room and result in substantial savings for the hospital; and by reducing the risk of surgical complications, surgeons can also reduce the need for follow-on surgery and the substantial associated costs. Also, by closing the ports in a controlled and less traumatic fashion, the device potentially offers less postoperative pain and an improved cosmetic result for the patient. The NeatClose device is a product of NeatStitch (Or Akiva; Israel), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

One of the major potential problems with the use of 10 mm - 12 mm ports is the risk of port site herniation. This problem can present as early postoperative bowel obstruction or as a late cosmetic defect. While fascial closure should prevent herniation, direct visualization of the fascia in an obese individual can be very technically challenging and time consuming and therefore very expensive. In addition, suboptimal visualization can potentially lead to morbidity from an unrecognized injury during suturing.

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