Summary
The bleeding by or after operations may cause serious problems in narrow anatomical
areas such as the pharynx and larynx. Placing sutures in this area is cumbersome
and difficult. A "Ligature-Suture Technique" and Instrument has been developed to
alleviate this problem.
The "Ligature-Suture Technique" and Instrument were developed in cadaver and in vitro
model experiments in an effort to greatly simplify suturing of vessels in the base
of the tongue, larynx, hypopharynx and oropharynx. The instrument consists of a tip
structure that will accept a suture and with one simple thrust of the handle will
encircle the blood vessel allowing easy ligation. The further developed and designed
instrument is commercially available by the Karl Storz Co.
The instrument and technique was utilized to control operative hemorrhage in 32 cases:
4 patients with base of the tongue lesions, 2 patients with laryngeal surgery, 7 patients
with hypopharyngeal surgery and most helpful was in lesions of the pharynx in 19 cases.
The best results were achieved to control difficult tonsillectomy hemorrhage but its
use was limited for laryngeal bleeding. Full details of the "Ligature-Suture Instrument"
will be presented.
The advantages of this Ligature-Suture Technique are simple, straightforward, and
safe as compared to other suture methods.
