In laparoscopic surgery, small (5-12 mm diameter) incisions are made in the abdominal wall through which instruments dissect and remove specimens that may be several centimeters in diameter. Removal of the sample typically requires either enlarging these incisions or morcellating the sample to pass through the sub-centimeter ports. The laparoscopic device permits extraction of the sample to be removed in a female using the vagina, which has sufficient elasticity to accommodate removal of large specimens. The posterior portion of the vagina communicates to the abdomen through a few tissue layers, and is distant from vital anatomic structures. Utilizing the vagina is optimal due to its ease of access to the abdomen and repair, minimal scarring and post-operative pain, and faster recovery following surgery. A deployable collection bag is housed in a sheath, which is deployed into the vagina or abdominal cavity to extract a large (multiple-centimeter) specimen(s) through the vagina. Optional insufflation system and inflatable balloon to maintain pneumoperiotoneum may be used to reduce the number of laparoscopic ports required.
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