Abstract
An ultrasonic aspirator (Olympus) specially designed for laparoscopic surgery, which
also includes cautery and suction-irrigation systems, was evaluated in 40 patients
undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The generating power of each system is controlled
by hand or foot switches, and most operating procedures could easily be performed
through a 10 mm trocar inserted through the abdominal wall. The ultrasonic aspirator
successfully fragmented and aspirated soft tissue, allowing a precise differentiation
between the cystic duct and artey, small vessels, lymphatics and fibrous tissue. Removal
of the gallbladder could be performed successfully using the cautery and ultrasonic
aspirator, whereby parts of cauterization or division could easily be identified.
Identification of the cystic duct and artery, course of the cystic duct and Hartmann's
pouch in the same field of vision was possible which is important for avoiding major
complications such as injury of the common bile duct. No complications were seen during
or after surgery in any of the patients.
