A randomised trial of ultrasonic dissection versus electrocoagulation to reduce lymphatic complications after surgery for recurrent sapheno-femoral incompetence.
OBJECTIVE
Prospectively to compare lymphatic drainage after ultrasonic dissection, an electrocoagulation technique and sharp dissection in the groin during surgery for recurrent sapheno-femoral incompetence.


METHODS
Prospective, randomised study comparing three surgical techniques.


METHODS
Thirty-six consecutive patients undergoing surgery for recurrent sapheno-femoral incompetence were randomised. Twelve patients underwent dissection with ultrasound, 12 with electrocoagulation and 12 controls had sharp dissection with ligation of scar and lymphatic tissue using absorbable suture material.


RESULTS
The mean drain output per patient was 13.5 ml in the ultrasonic group, 15.4 ml in the electrocoagulation group and 8.3 ml in the suture ligation group. Six minor cases of lymphatic leakage occurred in the ultrasonic group. This resulted in no clinical problem. There were no other significant differences between the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no detectable advantage for the use of ultrasound or electrocoagulation in recurrent saphenous high ligation compared to sharp dissection.
Mouton
W G
WG
Department of Surgery, Regionalspital Thun, Switzerland. wolfgang.mouton@spitalthun.ch
Bessell
J R
JR
Zehnder
T
T
Wirth
R
R
Naef
M
M
Wagner
H E
HE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*