Comparison of Two Bipolar Systems in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of 2 bipolar systems during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH): the pulsed bipolar system (PlasmaKinetic; Olympus, Japan) vs. conventional bipolar electrosurgery (Kleppinger bipolar forceps; Richard Wolf Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 80 women who underwent TLH for benign gynecologic disease between 2009 and 2010. Forty women received TLH using the conventional bipolar system and another 40 using the pulsed bipolar system. The clinical outcomes and complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: No significant differences between the 2 groups were observed in terms of age, body mass index, and hospital stay. However, the blood loss was greater (515.3 ± 41.2mL vs. 467.9 ± 33.4mL, P < .05) and the operation time was longer (173.4 ± 33.4min vs. 157.3 ± 21.3min, P < .05) in the conventional group. Additionally, the uterine weight was lighter in the conventional group (218.5 ± 23.4g vs. 299.4 ± 41.1g, P < .05). None of the surgeries were required to be converted to laparotomy. No significant differences were found in intraoperative or postoperative complications between the groups. CONCLUSION: The pulsed bipolar system has some advantages over the conventional system, and therefore, may offer an alternative option for patients undergoing TLH.