A new absorbable laparoscopic clip. Results of a comparative evaluation study

A new absorbable clip recently developed by Davis and Geck (Lapro-clip®) has been evaluated and compared to conventional metal clips during a multicentre study. The paper reports the results of the italian evaluation centre. Fifty patients, to be submitted to laparoscopic procedures with legature and division of anatomical structures, have been randomized and divided in 2 groups (lapro-clip vs control). Al patients have been followed-up for a 3 month period. Several characteristics of the clips and the clipping devices have been evaluated as well as the results of surgery and the morbidity related to clip application. The new absorbable clip showed better security of closure (wich was excellent or good in 100% lapro-clip group vs 82.1% control group, p = 0.04), better trigger pressure (excellent or good in 100% Iapro-clip group vs 75% control group, p = 0.01), better clip visibility in the operative site (excellent or good in 86.3% lapro-clip group vs 53.6% control group, p = 0.01). On the opposit metal clip showed better ease of access to/from vessel (excellent or good in 89.3% lapro-clip group vs 59.1% control group, p = 0.01). The clips Lapro-clip® tested during the study (size 12 mm) allow to close and divide anatomical structures without performing a complete preparation and freeing, thus easing surgical manoeuvres in remote sites.