Acute-phase proteins in rabbits undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: LigaSure device versus electrosurgery

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that the LigaSure device causes less tissue damage than bipolar electrosurgery. Increases and decreases in protein and immunoglobulin concentrations after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are expected and transient. This study aimed to compare serum values of acute-phase proteins and immunoglobulins in rabbits undergoing gallbladder dissection using bipolar electrosurgery (Maryland forceps) and vessel sealing device (VSD) LigaSure. The objective was to determine which method resulted in less inflammatory change. Twenty rabbits were divided into two groups of ten each. Group 1 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with bipolar electrosurgical forceps for dissection and LigaSure for sealing the cystic duct. Group 2 underwent dissection and cystic duct sealing using VSD–LigaSure only. Acute-phase proteins and immunoglobulins were evaluated on postoperative days three, seven, and fifteen. Serum concentrations of fibrinogen, transferrin, IgG, α1-acid glycoprotein, PM 23000 Da, and C-reactive protein (CRP) did not differ significantly between groups. However, significant differences were observed between evaluation days within the same group. IgA, ceruloplasmin, and haptoglobin were not statistically analyzed for either group or day comparisons. Only albumin levels differed between groups, with group 1 showing a lower protein concentration on day 15. Both methods caused changes in acute-phase proteins, indicating no significant advantage for using the LigaSure device.