HIGH-PRESSURE OXYGEN INSUFFLATION TO FACILITATE SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTIONIN SOAVES OPERATION

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate a new, simple method of facilitating the submucosal dissetion that is the most difficult and time-consuming part of Soave's operation. For rectal submucosal dissec tion, oxygen under high pressure is insufflated via a needle inserted into the submucosal space at a level just above the peritoneal reflect ion of the rectum down to the anal canal. The technique has been succe ssfully used in 35 cases of Hirschsprung's disease. A considerable red uction in the operating time and the incidence of iatrogenic mucosal p erforations could be achieved. We conclude that the method is time-sav ing and provides safety during a period of the operation where scrupul ous care is needed.