Comparison of two advanced bipolar tissue sealers for laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: Enseal G2 Articulating Tissue Sealer versus LigaSure Maryland Tissue Sealer/ Divider

Objective: To compare ease of use and performance of
Enseal G2 Articulating (ENG2) versus LigaSure Maryland Vessel Sealing Device (LVSD) in laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.
Study-design: Prospective randomized clinical trial
Animals: Client-owned dogs (n=21)
Methods: Dogs admitted for elective 3-portal laparoscopic ovariectomy were randomly assigned to one of two
groups: ovariectomy using ENG2 on the left ovary and
LVSD on the right ovary or vice-versa. Surgeries were
recorded on digital video and each ovary excision was
separately assessed for fat score of the ovarian ligament,
smoke formation, occurrence of bleeding, and excision
duration. Excised tissue was examined histologically and
each specimen was scored on a qualitative and quantitative basis for collateral thermal damage in three zones:
uterine junction, vascular pedicle and suspensory
ligament.
Results: Excision times were significantly increased for
ENG2 compared to LVSD (median LVSD 01:00m;
median ENG2 01:35m). Bleeding occurred in 3 sites in
2 patients (2x ENG2, 1x LVSD), which was not significant. There was no significant difference between the use
of ENG2 and LVSD concerning smoke production as
scored on videos and thermal tissue damage scores on
histology. Subjectively, the articulating feature of ENG2
did not improve surgical performance in laparoscopic
ovariectomy.
Conclusion: ENG2 provides a good alternative to LVSD in
laparoscopic ovariectomy, with no, or only minor, differences in measured variables. However, differences in operating these devices may be subject to personal preference.