Efficacy of using electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing during vaginal hysterectomy in patients with different degrees of operative difficulty: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy of electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing using the LigaSure ® system during vaginal hysterectomy in comparison with conventional suture ligation method. Study design 103 patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for benign conditions were randomised to either LigaSure ® or Suture groups. Each group was divided into two subgroups according to the degree of surgical difficulty. Results Participants in the LigaSure ® had shorter procedure time (52.5 min vs. 90 min; p < 0.001) and less blood loss (230 ml vs. 360 ml; p < 0.001). Complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups. The advantage of the LigaSure ® system in reducing the operative blood loss was more pronounced in the more difficult procedures. Conclusion The LigaSure ® system reduces the operating time (by reducing pedicle-securing time) and blood loss without increasing the post-operative complication rates of vaginal hysterectomy. This beneficial effect was found to be more pronounced in difficult procedures.