Monopolar Electrocautery, an Alternative Novel Method of Hemostasis During Radical Cystectomy: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objective: During radical cystectomy, local hemostasis is a critical factor for surgical success. It can be accomplished with a variety of techniques including mechanical compression, ligatures, auterization and laser. The aim of this work was to evaluate monopolar electrocautery alone for
achieving hemostasis during radical cystectomy. Patients and Methods: In this prospective study 30 patients were scheduled for radical cystectomy over a period of 2 years at Al-Azhar University Hospitals using monopolar electrocautery as the only hemostatic tool. The parameters studied were: operative time, estimated blood loss and incidence of complications. The data were analyzed clinically and statistically. Results: Monopolar electrocautery as the only hemostatic tool during radical cystectomy resulted in a short operative time (35 ± 5 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 150 ± 50 ml. Intraoperative bleeding was encountered in 2 patients only and they received blood transfusion. The overall post-operative early (within the fi rst month) complication rate was low (13.3%) and all complications were managed conservatively. Conclusion: Monopolar electrocauterization is a safe method for achieving hemostasis during radical cystectomy, with a signifi cantly short operative time, low cost, low blood loss, a low cystectomy-related complication rate and a short hospital stay.


African Journal of Urology Vol. 14 (1) 2008: pp. 23-26