title: Cystic duct closure by sealing with bipolar electrocoagulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cystic duct leakage after cholecystectomy is not uncommon and is a potentially serious complication. The aim of this study was to assess a bipolar sealing system (LigaSure) for closure of the cystic duct.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records from consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in 2 hospitals with closure of the cystic duct with LigaSure after informed consent were recorded and complications and morbidity registered. The records were compared with those of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with closure of the cystic duct with clips during the same period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, 218 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed; 102 of these were performed with the LigaSure. One patient was excluded due to violation of the protocol. We experienced no cases of cystic duct leakage, but in one patient, bile leakage from the gallbladder bed was observed probably due to a small aberrant duct.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LigaSure system was safe and effective for closure and division of the cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery D, Glostrup Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. svend.schulze@hvh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schulze
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Damgaard
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Kristiansen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003549:Cystic Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult