Home > Specialty: Gynecology > Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy

The LigaSure™ vessel sealing system is a unique energy-based ligation method. Complete hemostasis is achieved by reforming the collagen and elastin in vessel walls to form an autologous seal. The following are vessels typically within the recommended vessel sealing range (up to and including 7 mm in diameter), that can be sealed with the LigaSure™ system.

• Ovarian artery and vein
• Uterine artery and vein
• Cardinal ligament
• Ovarian ligament
• Infundibulopelvic ligament
• Round ligament
• Broad ligament

Warning: The LigaSure™ vessel sealing system has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulations for sterilization procedures. Do not use this system for these procedures.

Equipment

Recommended instrument

LigaSure™ generator power setting

2-3 bars

Published Articles & Presentations

Technology

A comparison of laparoscopic bipolar vessel sealing devices in the hemostasis of small-, medium-, and large-sized arteries.
Carbonell AM, Joels CS, Kercher KW, Matthews BD, Sing RF, Heniford BT. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2003;13:377-80. [ Abstract ]

Comparison of healing process following ligation with sutures and bipolar vessel sealing.
Peterson SL, Stranahan PL, Schmaltz D, Mihaichuk C, Cosgriff N. Surg Technol Int. 2002;10:55-60. [ Cite ]

The ability to seal large vessels quickly and effectively, combined with an associated decrease in needle passes on the operating field, suggest benefits directly associated with the use of the electrothermal vessel sealing system. Perhaps a more promising finding lies in the shorter duration associated with the inflammatory response. The potential for seals composed of the patient’s native tissue to reduce the inflammatory response may translate to a decrease in post-surgical adhesions. Clinical studies are currently in progress to quantify the relationship between seals made with the LigaSure™ vessel sealing system and the incidence of post-surgical adhesions.

Comparison of thermal spread after ureteral ligation with the Laparo-Sonic ultrasonic shears and the Ligasure™ system.
Goldstein SL, Harold KL, Lentzner A, Matthews BD, Kercher KW, Sing RF, Pratt B, Lipford EH, Heniford BT. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2002;12:61-3. [ Abstract ]

Comparison of ultrasonic energy, bipolar thermal energy, and vascular clips for the hemostasis of small-, medium-, and large-sized arteries.
Harold KL, Pollinger H, Matthews BD, Kercher KW, Sing RF, Heniford BT. Surg Endosc. 2003;17:1228-30. [ Abstract ]

High-burst-strength, feedback-controlled bipolar vessel sealing.
Kennedy JS, Stranahan PL, Taylor KD, Chandler JG. Surg Endosc. 1998;12:876-878. [ Abstract ]

How safe is high-power ultrasonic dissection?
Emam TA, Cuschieri A. Ann Surg. 2003;237:186-91. [ Abstract ]

Initial results with an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer.
Heniford BT, Matthews BD, Sing RF, Backus C, Pratt B, Greene FL. Surg Endosc. 2001;15:799-801. [ Abstract ]

Real-time thermography during energized vessel sealing and dissection.
Campbell PA, Cresswell AB, Frank TG, Cuschieri A. Surg Endosc. 2003;17:1640-5. [ Abstract ]

Reducing Needlestick Injuries in the Operating Room.
Boulder, CO: Valleylab white paper; 2003. [ PDF ]

Procedure

Innovations stem blood loss in hysterectomy.
Demott K. Ob.Gyn. News. 2001;36:5. [ Article ]

Randomized trial of suture versus electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing in vaginal hysterectomy.
Levy BS, Emery L. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;102:147-151. [ Abstract ]

Subtotal vs total hysterectomy: does the evidence support saving the cervix?
Levy BS. OBG Management. 2004;16:32-4,37-8,40,45. [ Article ]

UPDATE ON HYSTERECTOMY New Technologies and techniques.
Levy BS, Abu-Rustum NR, Reich H. Supplement to OBG Management. 2003;15.

Use of a new energy-based vessel ligation device during laparoscopic gynecologic oncologic surgery.
Dubuc-Lissoir J. Surg Endosc. 2003;17:466-8. [ Abstract ]

Use of a new energy-based vessel ligation device during vaginal hysterectomy.
Levy B. Boulder, CO: Valleylab white paper; 2000. [ PDF ]

Use of a new vessel ligation device during vaginal hysterectomy.
Levy B. Boulder, CO: Valleylab white paper; 2000. [ PDF ]

Valleylab Innovations That Work
Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with and without bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy using the LigaSure™ V 5 mm sealer/divider.
Juarez R. Boulder, CO: Valleylab white paper; 2004. [ PDF ]

Vessel sealing for hemostasis during pelvic surgery.
McLellan R, Anania C, Shapter A, Dick A, Hurd J, Bruno R. Boulder, CO: Valleylab white paper; 1999. [ PDF ]