Objective: To compare the efficiency of 1.9 µm Vela Laser versus high-frequency electronic knife in the treatment of digestive tract big polyps.
Methods: A total of 30 patients with big polyps (>2 cm in diameter) hospitalized from May 2013 to November 2013 were randomly divided into two groups to receive 1.9 µm Vela Laser or high-frequency electric knife respectively. The sites of polyp were at stomach (n = 4), duodenum (n = 4), sigmoid colon (n = 12) and large intestine (n = 10).Surgical duration, outcomes, intra-operative and post-operative complications, lesion remnant and relapse possibilities were systematically reviewed to compare the efficiency of these two techniques.
Results: The average operating duration of high frequency electronic knife treatment was shorter than 1.9 µm Vela Laser treatment (20.9 ± 1.4 vs 27.6 ± 1.2 min).For those with high frequency electronic knife, there were obvious wound bleeding (n = 2); intra-operative perforation (n = 1) and abdominal discomforts within 24 hours post-surgery (n = 3).In contrast, none of those with 1.9 µm Vela Laser suffered the above complications. All wounds were well-healed after 6 months, except for 2 patients with high frequency electronic knife leaving an apparent scar at wound site (without significant stricture).One case had residual lesion during the multi-point biopsy.
Conclusion: By avoiding such side-effects as bleeding, perforation and stomachache, 1.9 µm Vela Laser possesses many advantages over high frequency electronic knife.However, the former technique is in its early development period and some bottlenecks such as a longer operating duration should be urgently addressed.