Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a surgical instrument to quickly, safely and effectively clear tissue, procure dissection and contain bleeding during surgery. The instrument comprises an expandable sponge suitable for insertion into a body cavity. The sponge comprises a material having a first unexpanded state and a second expanded state. The expandable sponge may be attached to the distal end of a handle. The expandable sponge may have slots or filet cuts which, when the sponge expands, become a network of ridges and grooves to increase the surface area of the sponge and entrap tissue for dissection. The expandable sponge may also have an indented neck region adapted to engage blood vessels and ductal structures encountered in most surgical procedures. The sponge may have taper angles at the proximal end of the sponge and at the distal end region to facilitate insertion into and removal from a trocar, introducer or cannula.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is disclosed for selectively sealing a stoma. The appliance includes a central elongated relatively rigid tube having inner and outer end portions. A cap is support to the outer end portion of the tube and is adapted to engage the users skin when the tube is inserted in a stoma. A flexible extendable and collapsible bellows is mounted on the inner end of the tube for sealing the inside of the stoma when the appliance is inserted therein. A flexible rod insertable through the cap and tube for engagement with the bellows extends the bellows to collapse it for insertion in the stoma.