Abstract
We retrospectively assessed the utility of the LigaSureTM Vessel Sealing System compared with conventional surgery in 40 cases of free osseous flap harvest comprising 17 fibula flaps ( LigaSure : conventional, 11 : 6 ), 13 scapula flaps ( 4 : 9 ), and 10 iliac crest flaps ( 8 : 2 ). Postoperative duration of suction drain, total fluid collection volume by drain, and avascularized time during fibula flap harvest with a tourniquet did not differ significantly between the LigaSureTM and conventional techniques. In one case, additional surgery due to hematoma was required 23 days postoperatively in a donor site following scapular tip flap harvest without LigaSureTM. Reconstructive surgery with free flap transfer is performed with recipient surgery, such as tumor ablation or contracture release; therefore, intraoperative blood loss and total surgical time, which are reportedly significantly decreased by LigaSureTM, could not be evaluated in this study. LigaSureTM enables complete hemostasis to be easily accomplished, and the results of hemostasis are at least as favorable as those with the conventional technique.
