Ultrasonic harmonic scalpel in total thyroidectomies

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Techniques
• Thyroid Surgery

Background:

• Effective hemostasis is critical in thyroid surgery.
• Conventional methods include electrocoagulation and suture ligation.
• Newer techniques aim to improve hemostasis and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the ultrasonic harmonic scalpel (UHS) with conventional techniques for total thyroidectomy.
• To evaluate differences in operation time, blood loss, drain usage, cost, hospitalization, and complications.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 104 patients undergoing bilateral total thyroidectomy.
• Patients were randomly assigned to either conventional methods (Group I, n=54) or UHS (Group II, n=50).
• Key metrics including operation time, blood loss, ligatures, and complications were recorded.

Main Results:

• UHS group had significantly shorter operation times (77.9 min vs. 105 min) and less blood loss (25.3 g vs. 59.5 g).
• The mean number of ligatures used was substantially lower with UHS (5.3 vs. 51.6).
• Drain usage was significantly reduced in the UHS group (12% vs. 59%).

Conclusions:

• The ultrasonic harmonic scalpel (UHS) is effective and reliable for thyroid surgery.
• UHS leads to decreased operation time, reduced bleeding, and less drain usage.
• This technique is a cost-effective alternative without increasing postoperative complications.