Usefulness of the LigaSure vessel sealing system during superficial lobectomy of the parotid gland.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of the LigaSure Precise instrument in superficial lobectomy of the parotid gland. DESIGN Prospective study of the surgical procedures in the LigaSure Vessel Sealing System and comparison with a conventionally treated control group. SETTING Secondary care academic referral center. Patients Thirty-five patients with a parotid gland benign tumor were randomly allocated to 2 superficial lobe parotidectomy groups: 17 using the LigaSure procedure (group A) and 18 using the conventional method (group B). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES During the past few years, different methods of achieving hemostasis in parotid gland surgery have been tested as means of decreasing operative time and facial nerve injuries by controlling bleeding. With the whole LigaSure Vessel Sealing System, we experienced the usefulness of the LigaSure Precise instrument in superficial lobectomy of the parotid gland. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were noted between the 2 groups in mean age, tumor diameter, length of hospital stay, time to return to work, or number of adverse events during or after surgery. Operative time was significantly shorter in group A than in group B (P < .001). Total operative time for conservative partial parotidectomy with traditional excision ranged from 115 to 235 minutes (mean, 155.8 minutes). Using the LigaSure system, the mean operative time was 136.4 minutes. Salivary fistulas were more common in group A (3 of 17 patients), with no cases in group B. CONCLUSIONS The LigaSure method is comparable with but not superior to the conventional method. The main advantages of the LigaSure system are its "sutureless technique" and operative time savings; however, the cost is considerably higher.