Evaluation of the Thunderbeat™ device in hepatic resection

Abstract

Objective: The Thunderbeat™ is a new device combining bipolar energy and ultrasonic technologies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate this device in hepatic surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective review of the last 204 patients operated for liver resection between June 2012 and December 2013 with either Thunderbeat™ (Th) or Ligasure™ (Li). Groups were matched according to the following criteria: sex, diagnosis and procedure. Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, personal medical history and diagnosis. Operative time (201 min Th vs 191 min Li), estimated blood loss (EBL) (580 cc Th vs 523 cc Li) or R0 resection (91 Th vs 87 Li) were not statistically different between both groups. Mortality rate was 0.98% (1 patient died in each group). Overall severe complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or more) was 7.8% in each group (p = 1.000). Biliary leak (17 Th vs 14 Li), post-operative bleeding/hematoma (3 Th vs 4 Li) and abscess formation (11 Th vs 14 Li) were not statistically different between devices. Post-operative liver function tests (ALT = 244 Th vs 196 Li, bilirubin = 26 Th vs 20 Li) and INR (1.16 Th vs 1.18 Li) were similar in both groups. Conclusion: For hepatic resection, the use of the Thunderbeat™ device seems to be as safe and efficient as the Ligasure™ device. Post-operative bleeding and biliary leak rate does not differ in a statistically significant way between both devices.