Use of Ligasure bipolar diathermy system in vaginal hysterectomy.

The use of Ligasure, a computer-controlled bipolar diathermy system is proven beneficial in a wide range of surgical procedures. This study was to evaluate its application to vaginal hysterectomy. Over forty patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy with (n = 32) or without (n = 12) Ligasure using standard surgical techniques. The main diagnoses, the age of patients, time for surgery, hospital stay and estimated blood loss during operation were compared. The average operating time was shorter in the Ligasure vaginal hysterectomy group (30 mins (24-48) P < 0.05), the estimated blood loss was less in the Ligasure hysterectomy group (39 mins (25-60) P < 0.05), and the hospital stay was shorter in the Ligasure hysterectomy group (1.2 days (1-2) vs 3 days (3-5) P < 0.05). There were no postoperative complications or re-admissions in either group. Vaginal hysterectomy using Ligasure reduced operating time and blood loss, and therefore shortened hospital stay.