[Potential uses of plasma scalpel in liver and gallbladder surgery]

The article deals with the results of experimental studies and clinical experience in the use of the plasma scalpel in 25 unbred dogs and 192 patients with diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Histological studies of the hepatic tissue after treatment with the laser scalpel allowed the conclusion that such manipulations are safe. The advantages of using the device for arresting bleeding and the flow of bile from the resected hepatic areas were revealed. The accumulated experience in operations on the liver and gallbladder with a plasma scalpel made it possible to develop optimal approaches to the use of the plasma flow in resections of the liver and to suggest three methods for removal of the gallbladder. Their introduction into practice improved the intraoperative possibilities of treatment of the gallbladder bed.