RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Radiofrequency bipolar coagulation for radical hysterectomy: Technique, feasibility and complications
JF International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer
JO Int J Gynecol Cancer
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 187
OP 191
DO 10.1136/ijgc-00009577-200303000-00015
VO 13
IS 2
A1 A. Ercoli
A1 A. Fagotti
A1 M. Malzoni
A1 G. Ferrandina
A1 T. Susini
A1 C. Malzoni
A1 G. Scambia
YR 2003
UL http://ijgc.bmj.com/content/13/2/187.abstract
AB This study describes the surgical technique and intra- and postoperative complications associated with the use of a radiofrequency bipolar coagulator in a series of 18 Piver type III-IV radical hysterectomies performed in cervical cancer patients. Preliminary vessel-by-vessel dissection of the lateral parametria was possible in 17 out of 18 (94%) cases, and a direct application of a radiofrequency bipolar coagulation instrument was performed to coagulate the posterior and anterior parametrial tissues in all cases. We were able to easily coagulate isolated vessels up to 5 mm of maximal diameter. In no case were clamps or hemoclips necessary to complete hemostasis. We did not observe any parametrial vessel damage or heat-related injury of the surrounding normal tissue. The median size of the parametria removed was 44 mm (range 31–58) and nodes were detected in 15 cases (83%). Median operative time and estimated blood loss for the whole procedure including systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy was 250 min (range 200–410) and 550 ml (range 400–2500), respectively. Median follow-up time was 9 months (range 5–13). No complications specifically related to the use of radiofrequency coagulation were found. In conclusion the radio-frequency coagulation with this instrument appears to be a safe technique that is particularly useful in reducing blood loss and operative time without affecting radicality in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy.