Cutting lung parenchyma using the harmonic scalpel--an animal experiment.
OBJECTIVE
Applicability of harmonic scalpel in lung surgery was investigated using an animal model.


METHODS
Air tightness, control of bleeding and features of tissue regeneration were compared in a 4-week time frame of investigation in animals in which either surgical stapler or harmonic scalpel were used for pulmonary resection.


RESULTS
No significant differences between the two methods were found on a clinical and histopathological basis.


CONCLUSIONS
Complete lack of granuloma formation at the resection line and in its vicinity consequently restitutio ad integrum demonstrate the advantage of the harmonic scalpel over the stapler in the circumstances investigated. Overall the vibration transmission method was shown not to be inferior to the standard methods in peripheral lung tissue resection.
Molnar
Thomas F
TF
Thoracic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
Szantó
Zalan
Z
László
Terezia
T
Lukacs
Laszlo
L
Horvath
Ors Peter
OP
D000818:Animals; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D004867:Equipment Design; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013528:Surgical Staplers