Surgical light may help avoid bladder Penetration. (Expert Opinion).

ST. LOUIS -- The LightMat surgical illuminator is a boon to gynecologic surgeons, Dr. S. Robert Kovac said at the 12th International Pelvic Reconstructive and Vaginal Surgery Conference.

The device greatly enhances visualization within the surgical cavity That in turn helps prevent the bane of every gynecologic surgeon: accidental penetration of the bladder, said Dr. Kovac, the John D. Thompson Professor of Gynecologic Surgery at Emory University Atlanta.

The LightMat is a malleable fiberoptic panel that easily attaches to most surgical retractors. The 1.1-by-2-inch lit portion provides bright, shadowless light. The distant end plugs into a standard operating room xenon light source.

Dr. Stephen L. Larson is, like Dr. Kovac, a LightMat fan with no financial interest in the device's manufacturer, Lumitex Inc. The Minneapolis-based private-practice gynecologic surgeon offered a trick of the trade in using LightMat: Make sure to avoid piercing the soft acrylic casing with a suture needle. Otherwise blood will get inside the device and interfere with lighting.

The LightMat is a single-use disposable device that comes in a sterile pouch along with two pieces of biocompatible two-sided adhesive tape. The list price is $85.

Regardless of whether LightMat is used, it's an absolute cardinal rule of reparative vaginal surgery to conclude every procedure with a look in the bladder through a cystoscope. It prevents medicolegal problems later, stressed Dr. Robert M. Rogers Jr. of the Reading (Pa.) Hospital and Medical Center.

"If you don't have cystoscopy privileges, use a hysteroscope," he added at the conference, sponsored by the Society of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeons.