Safety and Feasibility of Cystic Artery Control with Bipolar Electrocauterization During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Securing the cystic artery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be achieved with clips, electrocautery, and ultramodern vessel-sealing energy devices. Bipolar electrocoagulation of cystic artery is safe and a cost-effective measure indeveloping countries. Patients and methods: The rationale of this current prospective study was to establish the safety andfeasibility of bipolar electrocautery in securing cystic artery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the local setting. Patients who were eligible for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Aswan University Hospital’s General Surgery Department were included. Results: one hundred twenty patients were included in our study. Most of the participantswere females, representing 93.33% of patients. The mean age of participants was 39.93±9.97 years, and 95.83% were overweight or obese. The mean±SD operativetime was 88.57±28.06 min, and the median (interquartile range) was 84 min (33.25 min). Also, the mean±SD hospital stay was 1.12±0.57 days, and themedian (interquartile range) was 1 (0) day. There was no intraoperative bleeding from the cystic artery nor from the right hepatic artery. No visceral injury was encountered. The success rate of the operation was 100%. Noneneeded to be redone. No case needed conversion to open surgery. ConclusionIn conclusion, in resource-constrained settings where the harmonic scalpel and alladvanced bipolar instruments like *brand hidden* and *brand hidden* raise issues regarding cost and accessibility, bipolar diathermy is effective in hemostatic control of the cystic artery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.