Comparison of the use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer with harmonic scalpel in total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS) with harmonic scalpel (HS) during total laparoscopic hysterectomy with respect to operation time, estimated blood loss and related complications. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the university hospital. Forty patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were enrolled. Nineteen hysterectomies were performed with HS and in 21 patients the same surgeons used EBVS. Data about the characteristics of the patients, operation time, estimated blood loss, uterine weights, related complications and length of hospital stay were registered and compared. RESULTS: Mean procedure time and estimated blood loss were significantly less in the EBVS arm (59.57 +/- 3.71 vs 90.95 +/- 5.73 min, P < 0.001; 87.76 +/- 25.48 vs 152.63 +/- 60.90 mL; P < 0.001, respectively). The change in hemoglobin and hematocrit values was found to be more significant in the HS group. CONCLUSION: EBVS was found to be less time-consuming and caused less bleeding when compared with HS.