Effectiveness of heated sterile water versus ResoClear for prevention of laparoscopic lens fogging in a randomized comparative trial.
Merkx R, Muselaers C, et al.Journal of Endourology 2017; 29: 29.
Aims
To compare the effectiveness of two commonly available techniques in preventing laparoscopic lens fogging (LLF) (heated sterile water in a thermos flask versus ResoClear impregnation wipes) during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN).
Interventions
Participants were randomised to either heated sterile water or ResoClear impregnation wipes as the antifogging method.
Participants
50 patients scheduled for an elective LDN.
Outcomes
The primary outcome measured was the number of fogging events during the initial 30 minutes. Secondary measured outcomes included the number of other events in the same time frame causing visual disturbances that required cleaning of the laparoscopic lens, operating time, cost difference, and assessment of possible predicting factors of the primary outcome.
Follow-up
30 minutes
CET Conclusions
This is a report of a single centre RCT comparing heated sterile water with impregnation wipes during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy to prevent laparoscopic lens fogging during the first 30 minutes of the procedure. The sample size was calculated using estimates based on the surgeon’s experience and indicated that 50 patients were needed. The sealed envelope technique was used to randomise patients and outcome assessment was done by a blinded assessor. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that the primary outcome, i.e. the number of fogging events, was significantly lower in the heated sterile water group whilst the total operating time did not differ between groups.
Data analysis
Strict intention-to-treat analysis
Trial registration
None