Background: We compared the safety and effectiveness of the pulsed bipolar system (PlasmaKinetic; Gyrus Medical, Maple Grove, MN) and conventional electrosurgery (Kleppinger bipolar forceps;
Richard Wolf Instruments, Vernon Hills, IL) in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
(LAVH).
Patients and Methods: In this prospective, nonrandomized study, 62 women with benign gynecologic
diseases scheduled for LAVH were divided into two groups: one group underwent LAVH with
the pulsed bipolar system and the second group underwent LAVH with conventional electrosurgery.
Outcome measures for both groups were compared in terms of length of operative time, amount of
blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay.
Results: The mean operative time (87.6 ± 28.1 minutes vs. 93.4 ± 20.2 minutes, P = 0.368), blood
loss (196.8 ± 143.7 mL vs. 253.2 ± 125.8 mL, P = 0.105), and blood transfusion rate (3.2% vs. 6.5%,
P = 1.0) were slightly greater in the conventional electrosurgery group than those in the pulsed bipolar
system group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The mean length of
hospital stay was similar in both groups (3 days). No patients developed serious complications related
either to conventional electrosurgery or to the pulsed bipolar system.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the pulsed bipolar system is as safe and effective as conventional
electrosurgery, and may offer an alternative option for patients undergoing LAVH.
