BACKGROUND: This study aims to find criteria for designing safer laparoscopic graspers for manipulation of delicate tissues. Since the experiment was performed in an open-surgery setup without any movement restrictions, the results are relevant to general surgery as well as laparoscopic. METHOD: Four surgeons were asked to apply via two clamps enough force to a pig's colon to stretch the mesocolon for dissection. Directions, magnitudes, and application points of the forces were recorded. RESULTS: The surgeons applied per clamp on average 2.5 N and maximally 5 N to the colon. These forces were at an angle of about 40° to 70° relative to the horizontal plane and approximately 60° relative to each other. CONCLUSIONS: Safe laparoscopic graspers should be able to transmit at least a 5 N pull force to the tissue without damaging it. To minimize the forces used, the angles mentioned should be taken into account when placing the trocars.
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Visser, H., Heijnsdijk, E., Herder, J. et al. Forces and displacements in colon surgery . Surg Endosc 16, 14263–1430 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-002-9003-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-002-9003-7