Ultrasonic energy in laparoscopic surgery.

The ideal energy form for use in laparoscopic surgery should provide controlled, hemostatic cutting. A good dissection technique should be further characterized by minimal thermal injury to surrounding tissue, no smoke obscuring the visual field, cutting ability equal to or superior to a conventional scalpel, coagulative ability equal to or greater than electrosurgery, lack of danger to the patient such as from stray energy, no toxins from exposure to smoke in the pneumoperitoneum elevating patient levels of methemoglobin or carboxyhemoglobin, no need for special preparation of the patient (grounding pad) or surgeon (glasses), and no need for special training. For a technology to replace that which is the current standard, this should all be provided at a cost similar to the cost associated with electrosurgery.