Harmonic scalpel versus conventional electrosurgery in the treatment of vulvar cancer

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences in blood loss, operative time, and intra- and postoperative complications with the harmonic scalpel or conventional electrosurgery in the treatment of vulvar cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent radical vulvectomy with inguinal lymphadenectomy using the harmonic scalpel (HS) or conventional electrosurgery (CE) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included, 22 in the HS group and 20 in the CE group. Mean blood loss was significantly less in the HS group compared with the CE group (127 mL vs 210 mL; P<0.05) and mean operative time was significantly shorter with the HS compared with CE (117 minutes vs 142 minutes; P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Use of the harmonic scalpel for surgical treatment of vulvar cancer is safe and has several advantages, including decreased operative time and blood loss, improved visibility in the operative field, and good postoperative outcome.