Use of a Sterile Glove as a Retrieval Bag in Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic procedures often necessitate the removal of visceral matter. A retrieval bag is usually employed in order to facilitate safe extraction. Sterile surgical gloves can be used as effective retrieval bags in place of costly specialist equipment. They are readily available in a variety of sizes and can withstand the forces encountered in a laparoscopic procedure. A standard size 9 glove can hold up to 1000 ml. The authors have successfully used a sterile surgical glove during a laparoscopic splenectomy. Figure 1 shows a spleen within a size 9 glove prior to being removed through a 10-mm port site.