Usefullness of the ultrasonically activated scalpel in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: our experience and review of literature

Minutolo, V. and Gagliano, G. and Rinzivillo, C. and Li Destri, G. and Carnazza, M. and Minutolo, O. (2008) Usefullness of the ultrasonically activated scalpel in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: our experience and review of literature. Il giornale di chirurgia, 29 (5). pp. 242-245. ISSN 1971-145X

Preview

PDF article(99).pdf - Published Version Download (29kB)

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) actually represents the most used and proper treatment for gallbladder lithiasis, because its many and known advantages in comparison with ‘open’ abdominal surgery. But there are some problems during and after LC due to the use of the electric scalpel and these have brought to the search of an alternative system of dissection and coagulation. The ultrasonically activated scalpel (Harmonic Scalpel, HS) allows to perform dissection and coagulation with a minimal thermal side effect for surrounding tissues, unlike the electrocoagulation. Furthermore, the use of the HS brings a series of advantages in comparison to the other electromagnetic forms of energy (electroscalpel, laser). HS cuts and coagulates with the same effectiveness of the electroscalpel but, unlike this, it doesn't introduce risks of wandering currents. Moreover, HS contributes to have a more clean and clear (smokes-free) field of operation and it reduces the operative time, the bleeding and the costs of the operation without an increase of the complications and of the percentages of ‘open’ conversion, and perhaps leads to a less negative influence on the postoperative systemic immune response. The Authors report their experience that confirm these observations, according also with results reported in a brief review of the recent scientific literature, and support wider diffusion and technical development of this ultrasonically-operating surgical team.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Lithiasis of the gallbladder, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, harmonic scalpel
Subjects:	600 Tecnologia - Scienze applicate > 610 Medicina e salute (Classificare qui la tecnologia dei servizi medici) > 617 Rami vari della medicina; Chirurgia
Depositing User:	Nadia Del Gobbo
Date Deposited:	29 May 2013 15:15
Last Modified:	29 May 2013 15:15
URI:	http://eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it/id/eprint/5069

Actions (login required)

View Item