Argon coagulation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
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.
Evangelou
G N
GN
2nd Department of Surgery, Nosileftikon Idryma Met. Tam. Stratou (Army Share Fund Hospital), Athens, Greece.
Stathakos
H P
HP
Baltayiannis
N E
NE
Gonianakis
G I
GI
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