Gross and histologic characteristics of laparoscopic injuries with four different energy sources.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the gross and histologic effects of bipolar and monopolar cautery, ultrasonic scalpel, and CO(2) laser on porcine ureter, bladder, and rectum.


METHODS
Experimental prospective study.


METHODS
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Animal Research Laboratory, Cleveland, Ohio.


METHODS
Nonpregnant adult female pigs.


METHODS
The rectum, bladder, and ureters of 12 female pigs were injured with four different laparoscopic energy sources.


METHODS
Gross measurements of injured tissue and histologic analysis of the depth of the tissue injury.


RESULTS
Gross assessment results were that monopolar injuries of the bowel and bladder were significantly longer than ultrasonic injuries (P<0.01). Injuries were generally manifest as coagulative denaturation of collagen bundles. This resulted in an eosinophilic homogenization of tissue. Nuclei were retained in the injured tissue, although in most cases they had a pyknotic, streamed appearance. The CO(2) laser caused no deep-tissue injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic energy sources injure tissue differently. Monopolar cautery appears to have the most lateral spread of thermal energy. The CO(2) laser appears to cause the least deep-tissue injury.
Tulikangas
P K
PK
Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. tulikap@ccf.org
Smith
T
T
Falcone
T
T
Boparai
N
N
Walters
M D
MD
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity; D012007:Rectum / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D013552:Swine; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014513:Ureter / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide