Tissue actions of bipolar scissors compared with monopolar devices.
OBJECTIVE
To establish whether bipolar scissors offer equivalent cutting performance compared with monopolar scissors and to compare extent of thermal coagulation injury using two electrosurgical generators.


METHODS
Eighteen female rabbits' uterine horns were cut using controlled velocity at several different wattages with either bipolar or monopolar scissors. The specimens were examined microscopically and zones of thermal necrosis were measured using a stage micrometer against a 1 mm standard.


RESULTS
Bipolar scissors cut equally well compared with monopolar scissors and showed significantly less thermal injury. When coupled to a constant voltage generator both the bipolar and monopolar scissors performed better.


CONCLUSIONS
Bipolar scissors offer the surgeon significant safety advantages and equivalent or better performance compared with monopolar scissors when used for laparoscopic surgery.
Baggish
M S
MS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.
Tucker
R D
RD
D000818:Animals; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D020706:Laparoscopes; D011817:Rabbits; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014599:Uterus / Q000601:surgery