The use of the Ligasure Vessel Sealing System in parotid gland surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of the Ligasuretrade mark Vessel Sealing System (LVSS; Valleylab, Boulder, CO) in parotid surgery.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted on 12 consecutive patients undergoing superficial parotidectomy, performed by using the LVSS device as the primary means of ligation. Inclusion criteria included parotid mass with no preoperative suspicion of malignancy, and no extension to the deep lobe of the parotid gland. Efficacy of hemostasis, cut-closure time, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results were compared with a historical control group, including cases on which the LVSS was not available.


RESULTS
LVSS proved effective in providing ligation and hemostasis. There was a mean time gain of 52 minutes, compared with our historical control group. No postoperative bleeding, seroma, salivary fistula, or Frey syndrome were observed. One case of transient facial weakness occurred, which was completely resolved within 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
LVSS is a safe device for parotid gland surgery, providing sufficient hemostasis and reducing operative time.


METHODS
B-2.
Prokopakis
Emmanuel P
EP
Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Lachanas
Vassilios A
VA
Helidonis
Emmanuel S
ES
Velegrakis
George A
GA
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D016896:Treatment Outcome