Use of the LigaSure™ vessel sealing system in neurofibroma excision to control postoperative bleeding

Background: The resection of neurofibromas in Von Recklinghausen's disease (NF-1) is frequently complicated by potentially life-threatening intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage, due to the high tumor vascularity and tissue friability. Methods: This report describes a novel technique for the resection of neurofibromas using the LigaSure™ (Valleylab, Tyco International Healthcare, Boulder, CO) vessel sealing system. We compared five cases of NF-1 tumor removal which used this vessel sealing system, with six cases that did not, and recorded the intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, length of hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Results: In all cases employing the LigaSure™, the perioperative blood loss was less than 600 ml (30 ∼ 570 ml), and no patient developed a postoperative hematoma or other bleeding complications. In contrast, the cases not using the LigaSure™ had greater blood loss as well as a higher rate of postoperative hematomas. Conclusions: The LigaSure™ provides excellent hemostasis with few complications when used for neurofibroma removal.