Randomized clinical trial of vessel sealing system (LigaSure) in esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy in patients with portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND

The LigaSure vessel sealing system (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) has been tested, with excellent results, in different fields of surgery. However, no study has evaluated the efficiency of the LigaSure in open esophagogastric decongestion and splenectomy in a randomized trial to date.

METHODS

Patients scheduled to undergo esophagogastric decongestion and splenectomy were assigned to the use of either the LigaSure or a conventional clamp-and-tie technique. Primary outcome measures were operating time and intraoperative blood loss. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative drainage volume, complications such as spleen fever, bleeding, portal vein thrombosis, length of incision, pain, and time to discharge.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were randomized to the LigaSure (n = 30) and clamp-and-tie (n = 30) groups. The groups were well matched with respect to liver function, associated illnesses, and grading of esophageal varices. Postoperative outcomes in drainage and major complications did not differ between the groups, while operative time and the volume of blood loss were significantly decreased in the LigaSure group compared with the clamp-and-tie group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the LigaSure is safe and effective in vessel division and homeostasis in the esophagogastric decongestion and splenectomy, with statistically significant decreases in operative time and intraoperative blood loss and without significantly modifying postoperative results.