title: Argon coagulation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to compare argon coagulation with standard electrocoagulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four consecutive patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group 1 used standard electrocoagulation and group 2 argon coagulation. The operative time and amount of blood loss were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Operative time (minutes): Group 1 65.33 +/- 4.07 SE. Group 2 55.83 +/- 2.82 SE (P < 0.10). Amount of blood loss (ml): Group 1 105.58 +/- 6.37 SE. Group 2 62.92 +/- 5.82 SE (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary results support our opinion that argon coagulation is to be favored over standard coagulation.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Surgery, Nosileftikon Idryma Met. Tam. Stratou (Army Share Fund Hospital), Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Evangelou
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Stathakos
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Baltayiannis
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Gonianakis
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016558:Hemostasis, Endoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017748:Time Management