Empowering Patient Recovery

How Low-Pressure Laparoscopy is Transforming Lives Dr. Eleni Andriopoulou

Two years ago, we began a transformative collaboration with Dr. Eleni Andriopoulou , Consultant Surgeon, Colorectal & MIS Surgery, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital NHS, implementing a low-pressure program in laparoscopic surgeries. Our shared mission was to educate healthcare professionals about the critical advantages of operating at lower pressures, enhancing patient safety and realizing economic benefits during and after surgical procedures.

In this initiative, Dr. Andriopoulou led efforts to educate the Greek medical community on the importance of maintaining lower pressure during laparoscopic procedures. Her work highlighted not only the patient safety benefits but also the economic advantages, such as reduced postoperative complications, shorter hospital stays, and decreased medication use. This endeavor has reached significant milestones, positioning low-pressure techniques as a standard of care in the field.

A cornerstone of this program is the use of the AirSeal? iFS, an Intelligent Flow System that provides surgeons with the ability to perform surgery at low pressure with confidence. Unlike traditional high-flow insufflation methods, AirSeal maintains a stable pneumoperitoneum, even in cases of large leaks or heavy suction, allowing for a safer and more controlled surgical environment.

“Implementing low-pressure laparoscopy has been a game-changer in improving patient outcomes. Our goal has always been to provide safer and more comfortable surgical experiences, and with this approach, we’re seeing faster recoveries and better overall well-being for our patients. It’s a privilege to be part of this transformation in surgical care, and I am committed to advancing these techniques for the benefit of all.” - Dr. Eleni Andriopoulou , Consultant Surgeon, Colorectal & MIS Surgery, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital NHS

A Success Story: Patient-Centric Care in Action

One of the most remarkable outcomes of this program is a recent case involving a 75-year-old patient. The patient underwent an elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy due to recurrent episodes of complicated diverticulitis. Despite a complex medical history, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Dr. Andriopoulou successfully performed the procedure with the assistance of the AirSeal iFS system. The surgery was conducted at a stable pneumoperitoneum of 8-10 mmHg, ensuring optimal respiratory parameters throughout the procedure.

Keeping the pressure at 8-10 mmHg during surgery not only helps with breathing but also improves blood flow to important organs like the liver and kidneys. Lower pressure reduces the risk of breathing problems, as higher pressures can make it harder for the lungs to work properly. This can lead to issues like poor gas exchange or increased carbon dioxide in the body. By using moderate pressure, we can keep the organs functioning well while still having enough space for the surgeon to work. This also helps keep the patient's breathing stable, reducing the need for adjustments during the procedure.

The results speak volumes: the surgery time was reduced to three hours, postoperative pain management was achieved with just paracetamol.

Most notably, she was discharged on postoperative day four, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of low-pressure laparoscopic techniques. These outcomes underscore the significant improvements in patient recovery and overall surgical experience when adopting innovative approaches like AirSeal.

A Commitment to Education and Excellence

This achievement is not just a technical milestone; it reflects our continuous commitment to education and training within the healthcare community. Dr. Andriopoulou’s expertise and dedication have made her a true advocate for low-pressure laparoscopy, setting new standards for patient care. Her leadership exemplifies our shared belief that education is key to unlocking the potential of advanced medical technologies and ensuring better patient outcomes.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Andriopoulou for her unwavering dedication to advancing patient care through innovation. Each success story like this serves as a reminder of the incredible responsibility we must keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare. Together, we are proud to support healthcare professionals in their mission to provide the highest standards of care, now and in the future.