The use of ThermoStapler (R) - bipolar vessel sealing system in vaginal hysterectomy

Objectives: The following study has been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of computer-controlled bipolar vessel sealing system (ThermoStapler (R), EMED), as an alternative to sutures, in order to achieve haemostasis during vaginal hysterectomy. Material and methods: One hundred and twenty patients have undergone vaginal hysterectomy, half of them with the use of ThermoStapler (R) vessel sealing system (n=60) and the other half with standard surgical technique (n=60). Data compared in this retrospective study included the time of surgery hemoglobin loss after the surgery, postoperative need for pain medication, duration of the hospital stay and intra/post-operative, complications. Results: The time of surgery proved to be shorter, although not significantly, in the group of vaginal hysterectomy with sutures when compared to the other group. The intra-operative blood loss, confirmed by pre- and postoperative hemoglobin measurements, appeared to be slightly lower in the ThermoStapler (R) group. However, postoperative need for pain medication was significantly less frequent in the bipolar forceps group (P<0.05). Complications and the duration of the hospital stay were similar in case of both groups. Conclusion: ThermoStapler (R) bipolar vessel sealing system (EMED) proves to be a valuable alternative to traditional technique using surgical sutures, and an effective and safe method of achieving haemostasis during vaginal hysterectomy, resulting in significantly reduced need for pain medication during hospitalization.