Objective: To examine the utility of the Ligasure vessel-sealing system in D(2) lymphadenectomy of gastric cancer, and compare with conventional hand tie method.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients undergone D(2) lymphadenectomy of gastric cancer from Jan. to Oct. 2005 were enrolled in this study. Operations of 62 patients were performed with Ligasure, whereas the other 62 patients with hand tie method. Operative duration, volume of intraoperative hemorrhage and postoperative course were analyzed.
Results: There was significant difference in operative duration (187.3 min vs 210.5 min, P< 0.05) and no significant differences in volume of intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative course, or duration of postoperative drainage between Ligasure group and conventional method group. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of postoperative complications between the two groups.
Conclusion: D(2) lymphadenectomy of gastric cancer using Ligasure instead of conventional hand tie method appears to be technically feasible and easy.