Electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing versus conventional clamping and suturing for total abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of bipolar vessel sealing versus conventional clamping and suturing in women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was performed. Patients were randomized to vessel sealing or conventional surgery. Postoperative pain was the primary outcome. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed (Canadian Task Force classification I).


METHODS
Two Dutch teaching hospitals.


METHODS
A total of 57 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions.


RESULTS
During the first 3 postoperative days, patients operated on using vessel sealing had statistically significantly lower pain scores. The amount of blood loss, surgery time, complication risk, and duration of hospitalization were similar between both groups. Patients in the vessel-sealing group resumed their normal daily activities on average 8 days earlier as compared with the conventional group. Postoperative pelvic floor function was similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of vessel sealing during abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions appears to be associated with reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery.
Lakeman
Mariëlle
M
Department of Obstetrics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Kruitwagen
Roy F
RF
Vos
M Caroline
MC
Roovers
Jan-Paul W R
JP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D004598:Electrosurgery; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control