title: A single institution experience using the LigaSure vessel sealing system in laparoscopic nephrectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vascular control and tissue dissection are crucial steps in successful laparoscopic surgery. Recently, a new commercially available vessel sealing technology, the LigaSure vessel sealing system (Valleylab, Boulder, USA), has been introduced. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the benefits of the LigaSure in laparoscopic nephrectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2005 to March 2010, 170 laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed with the LigaSure vessel sealing system, including simple and radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy. In a retrospective study, the laparoscopic operating time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative drainage, total amount of postoperative drainage, as well as postoperative hospital stay, were recorded and studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 170 laparoscopic nephrectomies using LigaSure were accomplished successfully without conversion to open surgery. There was no severe vascular complication or other serious complications. The mean laparoscopic operating time was 124.2 minutes (range, 14 - 230 minutes); mean blood loss was 148.6 ml (range, 20 - 540 ml); mean time for postoperative drainage was 3.1 days (range, 1 - 7 days); mean amount of postoperative drainage was 206.5 ml (range, 27 - 435 ml) and mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.9 days (range, 3 - 18 days).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic nephrectomy using LigaSure appears technically feasible and easy, and produces satisfactory results. The LigaSure provides a safe and fast way to seal vessels and tissue bundles during nephrectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ping
authors.forename: Nian-zeng
authors.initials: NZ
authors.lastname: Xing
authors.forename: Jun-hui
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yi-nong
authors.initials: YN
authors.lastname: Niu
authors.forename: Jian-zhong
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jian-wen
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult