title: Scissor-knot-pusher: an instrument for simplified laparoscopic extracorporeal knotting.
abstract: This paper describes the "scissor-knot-pusher," an instrument that greatly facilitates the execution of knot tying during laparoscopic operations. The instrument acts in essence as an extension of the surgeon's hand and, given its rigid structure, allows the surgeon full control of the process of knot tying. Additionally, after the knot has been tightened, it is possible to cut the suture without using a different instrument. As a result, this technical device simplifies knot tying and may help to reduce the frustration and the time often associated with intracorporeal suturing during laparoscopic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Center of Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Milan, Italy. stefanoolmi@tiscali.it
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Olmi
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Croce
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013536:Suture Techniques