title: A new tissue-sealing technique using the Ligasure system for nonanatomical pulmonary resection: preliminary results of sutureless and stapleless thoracoscopic surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present our initial evaluation of a new surgical technique of lung tissue sealing for nonanatomical pulmonary resection composed of sutureless and stapleless thoracoscopic surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve patients who required therapeutic thoracoscopic pulmonary resection from April 2001 to April 2002 were recruited for this study. Resection of lung parenchyma was performed with an ultrasound-driven scalpel, and the cut end was sealed using LigaSure, a new bipolar system. Measurement of the cut surface after resection during the surgery and assessment of LigaSure sealing strength was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no deaths or major intraoperative complications. The mean operation time was 65 minutes, and mean hemorrhage volume was 46 mL. Average chest drain duration was 3 days, and average hospital stay was 6 days. One patient with a giant bulla and cut surface diameter of 50 mm experienced persistent air leak for 1 week. Late complications did not occur over the 8-month follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pulmonary resection using LigaSure instead of staplers appears technically feasible and easy, and produces satisfactory preliminary results. Although further studies are required to confirm the sealing strength and reliability of LigaSure, this technique should be considered for use in nonanatomical pulmonary resections.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Takarazuka Municipal Hospital, Hyogo, Japan. n-shige@blue.ocn.ne.jp
authors.forename: Norihisa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shigemura
authors.forename: Akinori
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akashi
authors.forename: Tomoyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakagiri
authors.forename: Mitsunori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ohta
authors.forename: Hikaru
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsuda
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D014465:Ultrasonics