Use of magnets in gastrointestinal surgery

• Published in: Surgical endoscopy Vol. 33; no. 6; pp. 1721 - 1730
• Main Authors: Diaz, Ramon, Davalos, Gerardo, Welsh, Leonard K., Portenier, Dana, Guerron, Alfredo D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.06.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Anastomosis, Surgical - instrumentation; Animals; Digestive System Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Endoscopy; Gastroenterology; Gastrointestinal surgery; Gynecology; Hepatology; Humans; Laparoscopy; Laparoscopy - instrumentation; Magnets; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Models, Animal; Proctology; Review Article; Starvation; Surgery; Single port; Minimally invasive surgery; Magnet; Magnetic retraction; Anastomosis
• ISSN: 0930-2794; 1432-2218
• DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-06718-w

Background Laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery has undergone vast progress during the last 2 decades, translating into improved patient outcomes. A prime example of this development is the use of magnetic devices in gastrointestinal surgery. Magnetic devices have been developed and implemented for both laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, providing alternatives for retraction, anchoring, and compression among other critical surgical steps. The purpose of this review is to explore the use of magnetic devices in gastrointestinal surgery, and describe different magnetic technologies, current applications, and future directions. Methods IRB approval and written consent were not required. In this review of the existing literature, we offer a critical examination at the use of magnets for gastrointestinal surgery currently described. We show the experiences done to date, the benefits in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, and additional future implications. Results Magnetic devices have been tested in the field of gastrointestinal surgery, both in the contexts of animal and human experimentation. Magnets have been mainly used for retraction, anchoring, mobilization, and anastomosis. Conclusion Research into the use of magnets in gastrointestinal surgery offers promising results. The integration of these technologies in minimally invasive surgery provides benefits in various procedures. However, more research is needed to continually evaluate their impact and implementation into surgical practice.