title: Comparison of the efficacy of the pulsed bipolar system and conventional bipolar electrosurgery in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We compared the safety and effectiveness of the pulsed bipolar system (PlasmaKinetic; Gyrus Medical, Maple Grove, MN) and conventional electrosurgery (Kleppinger bipolar forceps; Richard Wolf Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL) in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective, nonrandomized study, 62 women with benign gynecologic diseases scheduled for LAVH were divided into two groups: one group underwent LAVH with the pulsed bipolar system and the second group underwent LAVH with conventional electrosurgery. Outcome measures for both groups were compared in terms of length of operative time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operative time (87.6+/-28.1 minutes vs. 93.4+/-20.2 minutes, P=0.368), blood loss (196.8+/-143.7 mL vs. 253.2+/-125.8 mL, P=0.105), and blood transfusion rate (3.2% vs. 6.5%, P=1.0) were slightly greater in the conventional electrosurgery group than those in the pulsed bipolar system group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The mean length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (3 days). No patients developed serious complications related either to conventional electrosurgery or to the pulsed bipolar system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicate that the pulsed bipolar system is as safe and effective as conventional electrosurgery, and may offer an alternative option for patients undergoing LAVH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Endoscopy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chin-Jung
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Leung-To
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: Chih-Feng
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Chyi-Long
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Yung-Kuei
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Soong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome