Abstract
We describe the effective use of the bipolar vessel-sealing device: LigaSure for the division of the internal spermatic vessels in a laparoscopic varicocelectomy. A total of 52 males with varicocele (left-side n = 49, and bilateral n = 3) were included in this study. Blunt dissection was used to isolate the packet of spermatic vessels. The packet of spermatic vessels was divided using a bipolar diathermy system, the LigaSure Precise. It was clear that the operative time was significantly reduced compared to the method using clips, which was done before the development of this kind of device. In another experiment to examine the effect of vessel sealing, it was confirmed that the LigaSure has performance comparable to the clips. Despite the result that the Harmonic scalpel was less effective in vessel sealing, our study found it difficult to determine which is superior, LigaSure or clips, in terms of operative time, relapse rate and complication.