Perioperative outcomes of bipolar energy instruments in total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Abstract

Objectives: To compare conventional and advanced bipolar energy instruments in terms of perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Material and methods: The data of 101 patients who underwent TLH between June 2017 and December 2018 for benign gynecological disorders were analyzed retrospectively. Conventional bipolar forceps (Robi forceps) were used in 37 patients and advanced bipolar instruments (LigaSure) were used in 64 patients. Data about the characteristics of the patients, operation time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay and other perioperative outcomes were compared. Results: The mean ages of the patients in the conventional bipolar and LigaSure groups were 47.6 ± 6.5 and 48.1 ± 7 years, respectively (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to all other patient characteristics; body mass index, parity, previous pelvic operation and indications of hysterectomy (p > 0.05). The mean operation time (41 ± 13.2 vs 37 ± 11.5 min), estimated intraoperative blood loss (70 ± 22 vs 65 ± 21 mL) and absolute change in hemoglobin (-1.23 ± 1.12 vs -1.11 ± 1.14 g/dL) were slightly higher in the conventional bipolar group. However, there was no statistical significance with respect to these differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a conventional bipolar system is as safe and effective as LigaSure, and it may be used as an alternative option for patients undergoing TLH in low-income hospitals.