Comparison of the Thunderbeat and Other Energy Devices in Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection: A Single-Center...

The THUNDERBEAT (TB) is a relatively novel energy device that is used in laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR), which integrates both ultrasonic and bipolar energy. There are limited data on its use in LCR, compared with bipolar diathermy (LigaSure^™ [LS]) or ultrasonically generated heat (Harmonic ACE [HA]). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients undergoing LCR with TB versus LS or HA, for both benign and malignant colorectal diseases. This study is a prospective trial using retrospective controls in patients undergoing LCR. The study period was over 6 months from June 2015, during which all elective laparoscopic colonic resections were performed using TB only. The retrospective control population included all consecutive patients who underwent LCR during the preceding 6 months, using either LS or HA. The primary outcome measure was the total operative time. Secondary outcome measures evaluated were rates of postoperative surgical complications, mortality, and length of stay. A total of 114 patients were included in the study. Median operative time was not significantly different between LS/HA and TB arms (246 versus 240 minutes, P = .779). Both arms showed no device failure. There was equivalent rate of intraoperative complications (P = .755) and conversion to open surgery (P = .075). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative morbidity (P = .938) and mortality (P = .392) observed between the two arms. There was also no difference in the length of stay between LS/HA and TB arms (6 versus 7 days, P = .085). Our dataset has the largest number of cases comparing TB and other energy devices in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. They all appear to be equally safe and effective. Operating the TB device does not require a steep learning curve and utilizes similar techniques transferable from the use of other conventional energy devices.