[Randomized controlled trial on vessel sealing in thyroid surgery]
S Minner1, H Rödiger, U Mansmann
1Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, HELIOS Klinikum Erfurt GmbH, Erfurt, Germany.
Aim:
To compare conventional suture ligation with vessel sealing in thyroid surgery.
Methods:
We investigated in a randomized controlled trial whether vessel sealing in thyroid surgery may shorten operative time compared to suture ligation. Included were all thyroid resections because of benign thyroid diseases. Primary endpoint was operative time and secondary endpoints were all postoperative complications.
Results:
150 patients were included into the study. 77 were randomized into the control group and 73 into the sealing group. Age, sex, BMI and extent of resection were not different between groups. Operative time was 10.2 min (CI - 1,3; 21,7) shorter in the sealing group. Sex, one- or two-sided resection, site of thyroid, and the experience of the surgeon had all a significant influence on operative time. Postoperative complications were not different between groups.
Conclusion:
Vessel sealing shortens operative time, especially if resection is performed by experienced surgeons, and did not increase postoperative complication rate.