Brief Description

Introduction. Determining exact location of digestive tumors is crucial in oncologic surgery but lacks precision especially in laparoscopic surgery and for small-sized tumors. Endoscopic tatooing of tumors and syncronous intraoperative endoscopy are the actual methods that pin-point the location of these tumors to surgeons but both have their dissadvantges. 

Aim: In the present study we aim to develop and manufacture a new, innovative and highly efficient sensing laparoscopic instrument focused on precise non-invasive extralumenal intraoperative detection of small digestive tumors. 

Materials and method: Proof of concept. Based on previous work of our research team, we aim to design and manufacture a sensing instrument compatible with laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery equipped with an induction proximity sensor able to detect customly-modified endoscopic clips available in the standard endoscopic instrumentation. The clips will be coated with noble materials (Platinum-Gold) for enhanced detection senstitivity and adequate biocompatibility and attached endoscopically to the mucosa at the poles of the tumor. The clips should be detected by the sensing instrument when scanned from the serosal surface of the bowel with a minimum through-tissue detection range of 2 cm. Validity and detection accuracy will be evaluated in in-vitro laboratory experiments and in-vivo animal experiments. Foreseeing clinical use, the sensing device will be compatible with conventional sterilisation methods; testing will be performed to evaluate this property. 

Results. We expect to be succesful in the functionality of the sensor-tags system at the parameters set by the project’s benchmarks.

Conclusion. Detection of small tumors, so difficult in certain situations in laparoscopic surgery, can be made easier for the surgeons by a simple and efficient detection system independent of the skills and availability of endoscopists, invention that may improve the long-term prognosis of patients.