Laparoscopic microwave cholecystectomy

Using a new microwave scalpel (blade type electrode)

Abstract

Since 1980, the microwave tissue coagulator (microtaze^®) has been used for surgery and endoscopictreatment. Recently we devised a new microwave scalpel (blade type electrode) for laparoscopicsurgery which had both coagulative hemostatic and cutting functions. We applied it tolaparoscopic cholecystectomy, and without using electric cautery or laser, obtained a good result.
In the surgical procedure, the cystic duct and the cystic artery were divided after clipping, andthen the gall bladder was dissected from the liver bed by retrograde fashion using the microwavescalpel.
We treated 19 patients for laparoscopic microwave cholecystectomy and performed the operationsafely. The characteristics of the microwave scalpel are: the hemostatic power is very efficient, the cutting procedure and coagulation can be done simultaneously; and the smoke dose notinterfere during the operation.