OBJECTIVE To compare harmonic scalpel (HS) tonsillectomy with electrocautery (EC) tonsillectomy in terms of operating time, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative pain and secondary haemorrhage. METHODS Sixty adult patients subjected to tonsillectomy only, were evaluated in this prospective study. The patients were stratified into 2 groups (30 each) based on the dissecting instrument used...

OBJECTIVE To describe the technique and evaluate the immediate results of using an ultrasonic scalpel in the skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHODS From January 2000 to October 2006, 188 patients were submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery skeletonized using an ultrasonic scalpel. Seventy-one...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using surgical electrocautery is considered to be the gold standard procedure for the treatment of uncomplicated cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Harmonic scalpel, an advanced laparoscopic technique associated with less thermal damage in LC, when co...

Objective: To describe the technique and evaluate the immediate results of using an ultrasonic scalpel in the skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Methods: From January 2000 to October 2006, 188 patients were submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting with the internal thoracic artery skeletonized using an ultrasonic scalpel. Seventy-one...

Deepening of the nasolabial crease is an esthetically unpleasing aging phenomenon occurring in the midface. Various treatment modalities have been introduced to improve the appearance of prominent nasolabial folds, all of which have pros and cons. Currently, a minimally invasive technique using synthetic dermal fillers is most commonly used. A simple and easy subcision procedure using a wire sc...

Background: Energy sources have been an important part of surgery in achieving hemostasis and bloodless field to operate. Nowadays the most recent and commonly used are the bipolar vessel sealing system (LigaSure) and the harmonic scalpel (HS). Purpose: To do a comparative review between the LigaSure vessel sealing system and harmonic scalpel to make surgery faster, safer and better. Materials ...

The surface of gutta-percha cones was evaluated after using five different cutting methods, including a new TipSnip device. The gutta-percha cones were cut off using: 1) TipSnip, 2) a single cut with a scalpel blade using a gauge, 3) two cuts with a scalpel blade using a gauge, 4) a razor blade against a glass slab or 5) scissors. Samples were examined under stereomicroscopy and observed by thr...

Vascular complications after lumbar discectomy are rarely seen. We present a unique and potentially life-threatening postoperative complication from this procedure. A 27-year-old man was admitted to our emergency vascular unit 1 day after a lumbar discectomy, during which a scalpel blade fragmented and a part was lost. Radiological images of the patient were performed and a broken scalpel blade...

and keywords: monopolar cutting current,coagulating current, harmonic scalpel.