TTP3.06 Comparing LigaSure, Harmonic Scalpel, and Robotic Scissors: Do Energy Devices Influence Postoperative Ileus in Elective Colorectal Surgeries?

Introduction Postoperative ileus is a common complication after abdominal surgeries, contributing to delayed recovery and increased healthcare costs. Surgical tools such as Robotic Scissors, Harmonic Scalpel, and LigaSure aim to reduce tissue trauma and enhance procedural efficiency. This study investigates whether these instruments differ significantly in their association with postoperative ileus rates, using statistical analysis to compare outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of 611 cancer resection cases performed between 2017 and 2023 was conducted. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the surgical tool used: Robotic Scissors, Harmonic Scalpel, or LigaSure. Variables such as demographics and preoperative data were recorded. A chi-square test for independence was used to evaluate differences in ileus incidence among the groups. Results The study included patients with a median age of 71 years (range: 22–92); male-to-female ratio was 1:0.7. In the Robotic Scissors group (101 cases), the ileus rate was 7.9% (8 cases). For the Harmonic Scalpel group (407 cases), the rate was 12.3% (50 cases). In the LigaSure group (103 cases), the ileus rate was 9.7% (10 cases). Statistical analysis yielded a p-value of 0.404, indicating no significant difference in ileus rates among the groups. Conclusion The study found no evidence of a statistically significant difference in ileus rates between the surgical tools. Differences observed are likely due to chance, suggesting that none of the instruments confer a distinct advantage in reducing ileus risk in this dataset.