A randomized study comparing the use of the Ligaclip with bipolar energy to prevent lymphocele during laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancer.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This prospective randomized pilot study compared the use of the Ligaclip (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) with bipolar coagulation in preventing lymphoceles after laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancer.

STUDY DESIGN:

Thirty patients with gynecologic malignancy, who had laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy were randomly assigned for lymphadenectomy in 1 side of the pelvis using the Ligaclip, whereas, in the other side, the bipolar coagulation to seal lymphatic vessels was used.

RESULTS:

At ultrasound examination, we detected lymphocele in 10 patients (33%). Lymphocele developed in 9 (30%) patients on the side where laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was perfomed using bipolar coagulation, and in 1 (3.3%) patient on the side where laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed using the Ligaclip. Univariate analysis revealed that the Ligaclip's use compared with electrocoagulation in the laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy is an independent predictive factor for development of lymphocele (P = .006).

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that the use of the Ligaclip to close lymphatic vessels may reduce the incidence of lymphoceles in patients undergoing laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy.

• Authors: Valerio Gallotta, Francesco Fanfani, Cristiano Rossitto, Giuseppe Vizzielli, Antonia Testa, Giovanni Scambia, Anna Fagotti
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 203 Issue 5 Pg. 483.e1-6 (Nov 2010) ISSN: 1097-6868 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20723873 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Electrocoagulation (adverse effects, methods)
• Endometrial Neoplasms (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Laparoscopy (adverse effects, methods)
• Lymph Node Excision (adverse effects, methods)
• Lymphocele (etiology, prevention & control, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (surgery)