Natural orifice bariatric procedure and apparatus for use therewith
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, the method comprising:
inserting a surgical instrument through a vaginal orifice of a patient such that an end effector of the surgical instrument is adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach;
positioning a portion of an elongated portion of the surgical instrument adjacent the patient's pelvis; and
pivoting the surgical instrument while using the pelvis as a fulcrum.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising performing a surgical task while the end effector of the surgical instrument is adjacent the portion of the patient's stomach.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein performing a surgical task includes performing one or more steps of a vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical instrument having a length between about 30 inches and about 45 inches.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting a surgical instrument includes inserting a stapling instrument.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein inserting a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical stapling instrument having a length and a ratio of the length of the surgical stapling instrument to a diameter of the elongated portion is between about 63.5 and about 95.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical instrument having an elongated portion that is non-flexible along its entire length.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical instrument wherein a distal portion of the elongated portion is flexible and a proximal portion of the elongated portion is non-flexible.
9. A method of performing a transvaginal bariatric procedure, the method comprising:
creating an incision in a vaginal wall of a patient;
inserting at least a portion of a surgical instrument through the incision;
positioning a portion of an elongated portion of the surgical instrument adjacent a patient's pelvis; and
pivoting the surgical instrument while using the pelvis as a fulcrum.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising using the surgical instrument to perform a bariatric procedure.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein inserting at least a portion of a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical instrument having a length between about 30 inches and about 45 inches.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein inserting at least a portion of a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical instrument wherein an entire length of the elongated portion of the surgical instrument is non-flexible.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein inserting at least a portion of a surgical instrument includes inserting a surgical instrument wherein a distal portion of the elongated portion is flexible and a proximal portion of the elongated portion is non-flexible.
14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising removing excised tissue through the incision in the vaginal wall.
15. The method of claim 9 , further comprising positioning an end effector of the surgical instrument adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach.