Sutureless thyroidectomy: surgical technique

The technique of thyroid surgery has continued to evolve over the last 200 years. Sutureless thyroidectomy is one of the recent developments in surgical technique and is made possible by the use of vessel sealing devices. The most frequently used devices include a bipolar coagulation device (Ligasure Precise) and ultrasonic dissecting shears (Harmonic Scalpel FOCUS). The use of this technology is safe with minimal morbidity and has been shown in numerous studies to significantly decrease operative time. Over 3000 thyroid and parathyroid procedures, both open and minimally invasive, have been performed with vessel sealing devices within the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit since the technology was introduced in 2005. This manuscript discusses the technique of sutureless thyroidectomy focusing on points of difference in comparison with conventional thyroidectomy using ligatures or clips.