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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04394468

The Use of plasmaJet During Operative Laparoscopy for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where functional endometrial tissue is present outside the uterus. It usually locates in the pelvis, which often includes the ovaries. One of the main concerns when performing surgery is to maintain fertility.

Nevertheless, a disadvantage of using monopolar and bipolar instruments for laparoscopic excision or coagulation of endometriosis lesions is the energy / thermal distribution that can cause damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Therefore, the use of ultrasound, laser or plasma energy can potentially reduce damage to surrounding tissues and prevent adhesion formation. In addition, ablation of the internal surface of endometriomas can be an effective alternative to cystectomy.

The PlasmaJet system uses argon plasma which is released as kinetic, light and / or thermal energy. In this way the instrument can be applied within three functions, namely cutting, vaporizing and coagulating. Moreover, plasma will dissipate very quickly upon contact with tissue which consequently allows a controlled depth of tissue penetration. Thirdly, pure plasma energy differs from conventional electrosurgery since no electrical current will be spread through the tissue and therefore the thermal effect at surrounding tissues remains minimal.

The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of plasma energy in the treatment of endometriosis.

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Key information

Conditions

Endometriosis Female Urogenital Diseases Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Genital Diseases Genital Diseases, Female Urogenital Diseases

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University hospital Ghent

Ghent, East-Flanders, 9000, Belgium

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women between 18 and 45 years old.
  • The presence of endometriosis; requiring surgical laparoscopy.

Exclusion criteria

  • Women younger than 18 years.
  • Women older than 45 years.
  • Women who are scheduled for surgical laparoscopy where the removal of the uterus and / or ovaries is needed.
  • Women who do not give written permission to participate.

Treatment and study plan

PlasmaJet

Device

Data will be collected during two contact moments, in particular during her admission for surgical laparoscopy, and during her postoperative check-up. Both of these are standard of care. No additional questionnaires will be taken. During the admission the postoperative pain scoreswill be monitored and collected. The duration of her stay in the hospital will also be recorded. During the postoperative check-up, which takes usually place six weeks after the surgery, complications will registered.

Primary outcomes

  1. feasibility of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery

    The surgeon's satisfaction with the use of plasma energy (5-point Likert scale).

  2. effectiveness of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery

    • Whether or not to use additional instruments to achieve hemostasis (monopolar or bipolar coagulation) and / or complete resection of the lesions (monopolar or ultrasonic energy).

  3. effectiveness of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery

    • completeness of resection or ablation, with a detailed description of deleted / ablated lesions.

  4. effectiveness of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery

    • EFI score (Clinical instrument to predict pregnancy rates without IVF (ART) in patients after endometriosis surgery).

  5. safety of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery until six weeks after surgery

    • Need for conversion to laparotomy.

  6. safety of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery until six weeks after surgery

    • Serious complications up to 6 weeks after the operation. The most common complications that can occur with surgical laparoscopy are bleeding, damage to the surrounding tissues / structures and the formation of adhesions.

  7. safety of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery until six weeks after surgery

    • Duration (in hours) of hospital stay after the procedure.

  8. safety of the PlasmaJet instrument

    Time frame: During laparoscopic surgery until six weeks after surgery

    • Postoperative pain scores (VAS) (2 hours postoperatively, maximum pain scores during the days after surgery until the patient is discharged). Hereby the pain score is registered every hour during the stay in the PACU (Post-anesthesia care department). Afterwards, the pain score is recorded every four hours.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University Hospital, Ghent

Other

Registry information

Acronym: PLASMA

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
May 19, 2020
Registry last updated
Mar 22, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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