Colored ligature: Trivial but innovative modification

Abstract

Background: Vascular ligation and its detachment remain a necessary skill for a surgeon. We often use two threads of the same color to ligate a vessel. However, some problems (grasping the mixed-up threads and/or difficulty in releasing the entanglement) may occur while using same colored ligatures. To solve these problems, we devised to use ligatures of different colors, and here, we present this ingenious idea. Methods: When a vessel is encountered that needs to be cut, we pass two different colored threads behind it. Results: We can grasp the two threads without mixing them up. In addition, in case of entanglement, unwinding of the entangled threads is quicker. We then finally tie a knot with these threads and cut the vessel visible between them. Conclusion: Using different colored ligatures enhance surgical convenience in the operating room.