Over the years, surgical procedures have evolved significantly, with advancements in technology and techniques improving patients overall outcomes. One pretty big innovation that has and continues to revolutionize the medical field is the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) in surgical procedures. While CO2 holds many different roles, it has found a special place in surgical settings, providing benefits to patients, as well as surgeons. At nexAir, we provide the healthcare industry with consistent supplies of high quality gas, such as carbon dioxide. Keep reading as we share our KnowHow on CO2 in the healthcare industry, as well as its role in surgical procedures and its contribution to a clear path of recovery. 

 

The Benefits of Carbon Dioxide in Healthcare Settings

 

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is widely used in minimally invasive surgeries and procedures like laparoscopy and endoscopy – and it has many different purposes during these procedures. To start, CO2 is used to create a controlled and distended abdominal space, known as a pneumoperitoneum. This allows surgeons to have a clear and unobstructed view of the surgical site, further enhancing the overall precision and reducing the risk of accidental injury. Carbon dioxide gas also helps to lift organs away from each other, creating a better working space and reducing the need for bigger incisions. Other properties such as its low viscosity, allow for easy flow through narrow instruments, enabling surgeons to perform intricate moves with better ease. 

 

The use of carbon dioxide in surgical settings also has a direct impact on the patient’s outcome. By providing minimally invasive approaches, CO2 reduces tough trauma to the body, leaving patients with shorter hospital stays, decreased pain levels and quicker recovery times. Smaller incisions also result in reduced scarring, helping to improve the cosmetic outcomes. 

 

The clear visualization that CO2 provides, enhances the surgeon’s ability to identify anatomical structures more accurately. This helps to reduce the likelihood of any tissue damage or injury to nearby organs, leading to an even safer surgical approach. The reduced invasiveness when using carbon dioxide in surgical procedures actually lower the risk of complications such as infection and bleeding, benefiting the patients with any other underlying health conditions. 

 

The Future of Carbon Dioxide in Surgery is Bright

 

As technology continues to advance, the integration of carbon dioxide in surgical procedures will expand. With ongoing research, techniques will continue to be refined and new application discoveries will be found. As for now, the role of CO2 in surgical procedures is revolutionizing the industry, offering benefits to not only the surgeons performing the procedures, but also to the patients during and after them. At nexAir, we continue to make sure that our healthcare customers are provided with all of the gases they need to Forge Forward in their day to day tasks. If you and your team are interested in learning more, or are ready for a consistent and reliable supply of your own, please feel free to contact our team today. We’d love to chat with you!