Nano-Ceramic Coating: A Novel Idea to Reduce Laparoscope Lens Fogging – Experimental Study

One of the basic principles of a successful laparoscopic procedure is a clear operating area. The endoscopic lens should be able to visualize the internal organs as clearly as possible. Unfortunately, fogging on the endoscope lens due to temperature is an obstacle to the surgeons’ field of view. Various techniques such as blowing, anti-fog solutions, and a heat source have been used to avoid fogging of these lenses, but all of these methods are only partially effective, require constant supervision, and are time-consuming. In this work, we try to introduce a new idea against this problem: nano-ceramic coating materials on the laparoscopic lens. Fifty two laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations were performed divided equally into an experimental group (In which the laparoscope lens was coated with nano-ceramic) and control groups In which the laparoscope lens was not coated with nano-ceramic). The lens coating with nano-ceramic showed a significant improvement in reducing the lens fogging and the vision during the operation. We found significant reduction in cleaning time to operating time ratio (mean = 2.1%, SD = 1.3%), compared to non-coated lens (mean = 3.6%, SD = 2.6%), p value = 0.019. Also, a significant decrease in the frequency of scope withdrawals, hot saline bath, and a positive correlation between cleaning time and total operation time. Feedback from the operators was in favor of ceramic coating, with 68%. recognizing improvement in visual clarity. The nano-ceramic coating can be an effective solution for reducing laparoscope lens fogging.