Background
One of the disadvantages of high-volume peritoneal toilet, if undertaken via a laparoscopic approach, is that the irrigation-and-suction device is a combined instrument that limits the ability to achieve high-volume washout in a timely manner.
Technique and discussion
A laparoscopic port is used as a separate suction channel by connecting the suction tubing to the insufflation valve (Fig 1). This strategy allows simultaneous high-volume irrigation with continuous suction if the port tip is kept below the ‘waterline’, thereby providing more thorough and rapid washout.
Figure 1.
The suction tubing is connected to the insufflation inflow of the laparoscopic port and is controlled by the valve mechanism. If the port tip is kept beneath the waterline, then rapid, high-volume irrigation can be carried out with simultaneous suction.