title: Hydro-Jet-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized clinical study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A new dissection technique with high-pressure water stream (Hydro-Jet) has recently been applied for selective dissection during various surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to compare Hydro-Jet with the conventional technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty patients were randomized to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with standard (n = 40) or Hydro-Jet-assisted (n = 40) dissection techniques. The rates of intraoperative complications, including blood loss and injury to the adjacent organs, were compared between the groups. The versatility of this technique and the features of surgical dissection were also evaluated and compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed in all subjects. The mean operative times were 78 minutes (range, 52-120 minutes) and 81 minutes (range, 45-135 minutes) for Hydro-Jet versus conventional dissection, respectively (P = not significant). Complications included gallbladder perforation in 15% and 30% (P <.1) and liver laceration in 0% and 10% (P <.04) with Hydro-Jet and conventional techniques, respectively. Increased hemorrhage from the gallbladder bed that necessitated fulguration occurred in 12 patients with the conventional technique as compared with none in the Hydro-Jet group (P <.001). Hydro-Jet resulted in a selective dissection of connective tissue preserving blood vessels and the cystic duct. The continuous water flow allowed a clear view for the operator, and the dissection was performed in a relatively bloodless field. The ease of blunt dissection with the bent-tip dissector represents another advantage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that Hydro-Jet dissection represents an excellent alternative to the conventional technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The improved anatomic dissection combined with an almost bloodless operating field as the result of continuous water flow decreased the rate of dissection-related complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Hodjat
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shekarriz
authors.forename: Bijan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shekarriz
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kujath
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eckmann
authors.forename: Conny
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bürk
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Comman
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Bruch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors