Covidien study shows benefits of laparoscopic surgery

Covidien has published a new study that demonstrates the clinical benefits offered by minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery over traditional open procedures.

A retrospective data analysis of more than 93,000 patients undergoing common surgical procedures – including appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy and gastric bypass – has shown that laparoscopic techniques can deliver a decreased risk of blood transfusions and fewer surgical site infections.

This technique was also shown to cost significantly less than open approaches on average, due to the fact that these procedures generally result in quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Dr Michael Tarnoff, global chief medical officer of Covidien, said: "Covidien is dedicated to continuously improving surgical device technology. Our goal is to develop innovative tools designed to reduce the surgical footprint leading to reduced convalescence and lower overall healthcare costs."

Earlier this month, the company announced the launch of its Halo60 ablation catheter, a new device for treating Barrett's oesophagus that was developed by its subsidiary Barrx Medical.