Effectiveness of the EnSeal(TM) System in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Study for Comparison with LigaSure(TM)

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Use of bipolar electocoagulation devices becomes popular in the laparoscopic surgical field. However, several studies comparing energy-based devices for use in performance of mechanical sealing and cutting techniques have reported various results. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of new commercially available bipolar electocoagulation devices EnSeal(TM) device (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) by comparison with LigaSure(TM) atlas 5 mm (COVIDIEN, Boulder, CO, USA), for use in performance of coagulation and cutting techniques during performance of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Between June 2010 and February 2011, 50 consecutive patients who underwent curative laparoscopic surgery for right colon cancer or rectal cancer were enrolled. Time and number of device activations were compared during omentectomy in cases of right colectomy and mesorectal trimming procedure in cases of anterior resection. Pathologic data and short-term clinical outcomes were also compared. RESULTS: No significant differences in terms of clinicopathologic comparison were observed between the EnSeal and LigaSure groups. No significant difference in mean operative time (207.6+/-45.3 vs. 198.9+/-57.2; p=0.558), mean time of omentectomy (11.0+/-4.5 vs. 12.6+/-8.6; p=0.293), mean time of m esorectal trimming (18.6+/-10.0 vs. 16.1+/-6.9; p=0.418), mean number of device activations during omentectomy (43.5+/-10.2 vs. 51.6+/-39.2; p=0.586), and mean number of device activations during performance of mesorectal trimming (44.8+/-22.3 vs. 49.1+/-23.7; p=0.597) were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Bipolar electocoagulation devices were adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery, resulting in reduced operative time and blood loss. EnSeal(TM) Device and LigaSure(TM) atlas 5 mm were useful during performance of sealing and cutting techniques in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.