A new flexible videoendoscope for minimal access surgery.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a new flexible videolaparoscope. The Fujinon EVL-F has standard control knobs which deflect a flexible tip at the end of a rigid section. In addition, there are standard controls for irrigation and suction as well as an instrument channel. Twenty-eight procedures were performed on 22 patients. The advantages of this instrument include the ability to perform a more thorough exploration of the abdomen and improved image quality. In addition, the instrument channel provides the capability to irrigate, suction, perform cholangiograms, or pass dissecting instruments via the laparoscope, thus reducing the required number of trocar sites.