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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Mixed Reality Assisted Radical Endoscopic Thyroidectomy
Published on: January 31, 2025
Ultrasound scalpel in thyroidectomy. Prospective randomized study
Giovanni Docimo1, Roberto Ruggiero, Adelmo Gubitosi
1Department of General Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. giovanni.docimo@unina2.it
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|July 18, 2012
Summary
The ultrasonic scalpel significantly reduces operative time and drainage volume in total thyroidectomy compared to the clamp and tie method. This surgical tool offers a safe and efficient alternative for thyroid surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Endocrine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
Background:
- The ultrasonic scalpel utilizes high-frequency mechanical energy for simultaneous vessel sealing and tissue coagulation.
- Traditional clamp and tie (CT) methods are standard for thyroid surgery but can be time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the safety, operative time, drainage volume, complications, and hospital stay of total thyroidectomy using an ultrasonic scalpel versus the standard CT procedure.
- To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonic technology in endocrine surgery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized study involving 200 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
- Patients were randomized into two groups: one using the CT technique (Group A) and the other using the ultrasonic device (Group B).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in patient demographics, thyroid gland characteristics, histopathology, or serum calcium levels between groups.
- Group B (ultrasonic scalpel) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in operative times (63 ± 9' vs 85 ± 15') and overall drainage volume (50 ± 20cc vs 70 ± 25cc).
- No increase in postoperative complications or reoperative thyroid surgery rates was noted with the ultrasonic scalpel.
Conclusions:
- The ultrasonic scalpel is a safe, effective, and time-saving alternative for total thyroidectomy, simplifying the procedure.
- It eliminates the need for traditional clamp-and-tie maneuvers, achieving efficient hemostasis.
- Ultrasonic technology in thyroid surgery significantly reduces surgical time, drainage volume, hospitalization, postoperative pain, and blood loss without increasing complications.
