ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety of temporary cardiac pacemaker during perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with bradyarrhythmia. Methods Temporary cardiac pacemakers were installed preoperatively in 34 elderly patients with bradyarrhythmia for LC. On operation the ultrasonic harmonic scalpel, instead of electrotome, was used to perform dissection and coagulation. Results LC was completed successfully in all the 34 patients without surgery-related complications or perioperative serious cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions Utilization of temporary cardiac pacemaker and ultrasonic harmonic scalpel may considerably enhance the perioperative safety and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular complications in elderly patients with bradyarrhythmia.
