vesileikkaus

Vesileikkaus is a term used in Finnish to describe a surgical technique that employs a high‑pressure jet of sterile fluid to cut or dissect tissue. Commonly referred to in English as water-jet dissection or hydrodissection, the method relies on the mechanical force of the fluid jet rather than heat to separate tissue planes.

Techniques and equipment

A vesileikkaus system typically includes a power-driven pump, a sterile fluid reservoir (often saline), and a handheld nozzle that directs the jet at the target tissue. Operators adjust jet pressure and flow to achieve the desired dissection while maintaining control over tissue planes. The fluid is usually continuously suctioned away to keep the surgical field clear. In some approaches, vesileikkaus is used in combination with other modalities such as suction or traditional instruments to manage hemostasis and complete resections.

Applications

Vesileikkaus has been explored in multiple medical disciplines, particularly where preserving surrounding structures and reducing thermal injury are advantageous. Reported applications include certain soft-tissue dissections in urology, gynecology, dermatology, and ENT procedures. It may be used to create tissue planes, facilitate lesion removal, or aid in organ-sparing techniques.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages cited for vesileikkaus include non-thermal tissue interaction, potential for precise plane dissection, and minimized charring of tissue. Limitations include the need for specialized equipment and training, variable effectiveness across tissue types, and the possibility of tissue splash or slower resection compared with conventional methods. Outcomes are influenced by surgeon experience and the specific clinical context.

History

Hydrodissection techniques emerged with advances in fluid-jet technology in the late 20th century and have since been adopted in selected centers for specialized procedures.