Revisiting gasless laparoscopic surgeries for possible benefits during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Editor,

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exponential rise in waiting times for elective surgical procedures, especially in rural areas. ¹ Furthermore, the additional costs of personal protective equipment, testing and travel makes such surgery even more expensive and quite out of reach from the poor. Gasless laparoscopic surgery, a technique recognised by the World Health Organization compendium of innovative health technologies in low- and middle-income countries, ² avoids the risks of potentially contaminating aerosols. This has been recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Association of Surgeons of India. ³ Its use with spinal anaesthesia also avoids tracheal intubation, thereby reducing two important risks in one fell swoop, while also reducing costs. A video demonstrating setting up and using the device can be found on YouTube. ⁴