Natural orifice bariatric procedure and apparatus for use therewith
View Patent ↗A method of performing a bariatric procedure through a natural body orifice is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a surgical instrument, comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle portion, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion. The method also comprises the steps of inserting the surgical instrument through a natural body orifice of a patient such that the end effector is adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach, and using the surgical instrument to perform a surgical task.
1. A method of performing a bariatric procedure through a natural body orifice, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising:
a handle portion including an actuation mechanism disposed in mechanical cooperation therewith;
an elongated portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis; and
an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion and being disposed in mechanical cooperation therewith;
wherein the actuation mechanism controls at least one function of the end effector;
inserting the surgical instrument through a natural body orifice of a patient such that the end effector is adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach;
positioning the elongated portion adjacent the patient's pelvis and pivoting the surgical instrument while using the pelvis as a fulcrum; and
using the surgical instrument to perform a surgical task.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument includes a length and wherein the length is between about 30 inches and about 45 inches.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument is a surgical stapling instrument.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the surgical stapling instrument includes a length and wherein the elongated portion includes a diameter, and wherein the length-to-diameter ratio is between about 63.5 and about 95.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument is a vessel sealing instrument.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the vessel sealing instrument includes a length and wherein the elongated portion includes a diameter, and wherein the length-to-diameter ratio is between about 150 and about 230.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the natural body orifice is the vagina.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the natural body orifice is the rectum.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the elongated portion of the surgical instrument is substantially rigid.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of the elongated portion is flexible and wherein a proximal portion of the elongated portion is substantially rigid.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surgical task includes a vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
12. A method of performing a transvaginal bariatric procedure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising:
a handle portion;
an elongated portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis; and
an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion and being disposed in mechanical cooperation therewith;
creating an incision in the vaginal wall;
inserting the surgical instrument through the incision;
positioning the elongated portion adjacent the patient's pelvis;
pivoting the surgical instrument while using the pelvis as a fulcrum; and
using the surgical instrument to perform a bariatric procedure.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the surgical instrument includes a length and wherein the length is between about 30 inches and about 45 inches.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the elongated portion of the surgical instrument is substantially rigid.
15. The method of claim 12 , further comprising the step of removing the surgical instrument.
16. The method of claim 12 , further comprising the step of removing excised tissue.