Argon coagulation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare argon coagulation with standard electrocoagulation. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group 1 used standard electrocoagulation and group 2 argon coagulation. The operative time and amount of blood loss were measured. RESULTS: Operative time (minutes): Group 1 65.33 +/- 4.07 SE. Group 2 55.83 +/- 2.82 SE (P < 0.10). Amount of blood loss (ml): Group 1 105.58 +/- 6.37 SE. Group 2 62.92 +/- 5.82 SE (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results support our opinion that argon coagulation is to be favored over standard coagulation.