LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY USING THE LAPAROSONIC COAGULATING SHEARS

The use of the Laparosonic Coagulating Shears (LCS) for laparoscopic-a ssisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) was evaluated in three women. The indications for surgery included chronic pelvic pain, adhesions, endom etriosis, symptomatic uterine fibroids, and abnormal bleeding. The ent ire laparoscopic portion of the LAVH was performed with the LCS. All t hree patients had an uneventful postoperative course, and continue to do well one year post-operatively. The harmonic scalpel produces surgi cal incisions with concomitant hemostasis. With the introduction of th e LCS, larger vessels can be managed safely. The LCS produces less cha rring and less thermal tissue injury reduces postoperative adhesions, and promotes faster healing. The cavitational effect facilitates disse ction, and the minimal heat production and absence of current through the patient contribute to safety Ultrasonic activated technology is ea sy to use, cost effective, and affords the surgeon a greater margin of safety. This is only a preliminary report, and further study is neede d, but the benefits of ultrasonically activated technology and the LCS are readily apparent.