title: The Thunderbeat and Other Energy Devices in Laparoscopic Colorectal Resections: Analysis of Outcomes and Costs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The THUNDERBEAT™ (TB) is a recently developed energy-based device. To date, there are no clinical studies comparing TB and other energy sources, such as standard electrosurgery (ES), ultrasonic coagulating shears (US) and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealers (EBVS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and costs in patients undergoing LCR with TB, US, EBVS, or ES for both benign and malignant colorectal diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients undergoing LCR. Unselected consecutive patients who had the laparoscopic dissection conducted by using TB were compared with consecutive patients undergoing LCR with US, EBVS, or ES.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean operative time did not significantly differ between the groups (P = .947). Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the ES group (P < .001). Device-related complications occurred in 2.5% of ES patients, in 2.5% of US patients, and in 5% of EBVS patients, while no complications occurred in TB patients (P = .768). No significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rates between the groups. Mean postoperative hospital stay was similar in the groups. Cost analysis showed no significant differences between US (1519.1 ± 303 €), EBVS (1474.4 ± 372.8 €), and TB (1474.3 ± 176.3 €) (P = .737).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first clinical study comparing TB and other energy-based devices in LCR. They all appear to be equally safe and effective. Costs of surgery are very similar. Further large randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy .
authors.forename: Marco Ettore
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Allaix
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy .
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arezzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy .
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giraudo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy .
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arolfo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy .
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mistrangelo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino , Torino, Italy .
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*