A review of currently available vessel sealing systems

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery is rapidly expanding among urologists as a minimally invasive treatment with surgical procedures becoming increasingly challenging. Accurate haemostatis is of utmost importance in laparoscopy, as bleeding can rapidly impair the working environment conditions. We subsequently reviewed the different haemostatic tools used in laparoscopy with the focus on ultrasonic dissectors and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS). Briefly, there is a wide variety of haemostatic tools currently available in laparoscopy, all with their inherent advantages and limitations. The comparison of ultrasonic dissectors and EBVS shows that both systems are very attractive with similar physical properties concerning thermal spread and bursting pressure of vessels sealed. It has to be noted, however, that EBVS can handle vessels of up to 7 mm. In conclusion, haemostatic tools constitute a rapidly evolving domain with devices being developed which cause less thermal spread, while being more precise and faster. This evolution should finally allow more complex laparoscopic surgical procedures.