The use of Thunderbeat versus electrosurgery in the division of the musculoaponeurotic layer of the abdominal wall during laparotomy in major hepatobiliopancreatic surgery

Abstract

Although the existence, implementation and advantages of the Minimally Invasive Surgeries, some surgeries, as major hepatobiliopancreatic surgeries have to be done via laparotomy due to the complex technique, the difficulty to access to the target area and the anticipated needs. In order to access to the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall, physicians have at their disposal many devices, such as the traditional scalpel, electrosurgery and ultrasonic scalpel. Recently, a new device, the Thunderbeat, has appeared, claiming to be safer and faster than the other devices in relation with the vessels’ sealing and tissues cutting. Objective To decrease the dissection time needed to divide the musculoaponeurotic layer of the abdominal wall and to lower the incision blood loss in patients undergoing a major hepatobiliopancreatic surgery via laparotomy using the Thunderbeat instead of the Electrosurgery. Design Randomized, controlled, prospective simple-blind clinical trial design will be carried out in Hospital Universitari Doctor Josep Trueta of Girona within the Hepatobiliopancreatic unit. Participants Patients facing a major hepatobiliopancreatic surgery via laparotomy as a part of their treatment schedule of his/her hepatobiliary or pancreatic disease, been seen at Hospital Universitari Doctor Josep Trueta of Girona