Blood loss and operative duration using monopolar electrosurgery versus ultrasound scissors for surgical preparation during thoracoscopic ventral spondylodesis: results of a randomized, blinded, controlled trial.

Purpose: Monopolar electrosurgery is the gold standard for surgical preparation in thoracoscopic spine procedures. However, use of ultrasound scissors could decrease blood loss, accelerate the preparation time and improve patient safety, while minimizing operative costs. This trial compares both preparation techniques for ventral thoracoscopic spondylodesis.

Methods: The study design is an open, prospective, randomized, and double-blinded two-armed clinical trial performed in two centres. Forty-one patients with vertebral body fractures from T10 to L2 were included. Primary endpoint: preparation time. Secondary endpoints: blood loss, organ injuries, duration of hospitalization.

Results: Primary and secondary endpoints did not differ significantly between groups (p level 0.05). Increased blood loss (150 ml or more) was eliminated with ultrasound scissors (p = 0.0014).

Conclusions: Primary and secondary endpoints did not differ significantly between the two preparation techniques. The use of either ultrasound scissors or electric scalpel offers safe and effective preparation for thoracoscopic spine surgery.