Comparison of harmonic scalpel versus conventional knot tying for transection of short hepatic veins at liver transplantation: prospective randomized study.
Olmez A, K Karabulut, et al.Transplantation Proceedings 2012; 44(6): 1717-1719.
Aims
To compare the use of a harmonic scalpel with conventional ligation for short hepatic vein transaction during recipient hepatectomy.
Interventions
Conventional ligation versus harmonic scalpel.
Participants
16 patients undergoing elective living donor liver transplantation.
Outcomes
Bleeding from the transacted vein to the end of surgery and post operative intra-abdominal bleeding.
Follow-up
Not recorded.
CET Conclusions
In this small randomised study from Korea the authors suggest that in recipient hepatectomy in living donor liver transplantation where they wish to preserve the inferior vena cava the harmonic scalpel is at least as safe as ligation of the hepatic veins of diameter of 2mm or less, but not for larger veins.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Trial registration
Not recorded