Suction and Irrigation

Suction: It removes fluid from the abdominal and pelvic cavities. When blood clots need to be removed, it can be used in conjunction with dissecting forceps to break up the clots before suctioning them out. When using it with a large volume of fluid, simply touch the tip of the suction device to the fluid level and slowly advance it. This avoids aspirating tissue, improving suction efficiency and safety. When a wound is extensive and bleeding continuously, requiring exposure, the suction tip is quickly swept across the wound while simultaneously drawing blood—this is called "sweeping suction." This quickly exposes the bleeding point, facilitating hemostasis.

Blocking: Blocking blood vessels. When exposing iliac vessels during lymph node dissection, using a suction device to block veins can replace the function of dissecting forceps.

 

Pushing: By applying appropriate force through the suction tip between the vessel and surrounding tissue, the gap between the vessel and surrounding tissue can be exposed. Of course, accurate positioning is crucial; otherwise, no amount of pushing will create a gap. Additionally, when bleeding occurs during surgery, the suction tip can be placed near the bleeding point to reduce bleeding, and appropriate force can be used to keep the wound clean, creating conditions for further treatment. When controlling bleeding, pushing should be the primary method, with minimal suction, especially avoiding suction directly at the bleeding point. Otherwise, although the wound may appear clean, the bleeding may actually increase.

 

Dissection: Using a suction device can assist in separating tissue while simultaneously removing oozing blood.

 

Pushing and pulling (or scraping): When a gap appears between the suction tube and surrounding tissue, a pushing and pulling motion can be used along the long axis of the tube to widen the gap and separate the target tissue from the surrounding tissue.

 

By skillfully applying these techniques and utilizing the different functions of the suction device as much as possible according to the surgical situation, the surgeon needs to consciously practice the pushing and pulling motions of the suction device off-stage, training the thumb muscles to form a habitual action that is ingrained in the brain, in order to maximize the function of this surgical instrument.