Comparison Of The Effects Of Focus Harmonic Scalpel And Conventional Haemostasis On Parathyroid Function In Thyroid...

Area of Science:

• Endocrine Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Oncology

Background:

• Parathyroid gland preservation is critical during thyroidectomies.
• Conventional hemostasis techniques carry risks to parathyroid function.
• Evaluating novel surgical tools for improved patient outcomes is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of the Focus Harmonic Scalpel versus conventional hemostasis in preserving parathyroid function during thyroid surgery.
• To assess the impact on transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from November 2011 to December 2015.
• Comparison of 74 patients with nodular goiter and 139 with thyroid papillary carcinoma, divided into Harmonic Scalpel and Conventional Hemostasis groups.
• Evaluation of preoperative and postoperative serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, and incidence of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.

Main Results:

• No significant preoperative differences between groups.
• For nodular goiter, no significant postoperative differences were observed on day one.
• The Harmonic Scalpel group showed a lower incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia in thyroid papillary carcinoma patients, with statistically significant differences in serum calcium and hypocalcemia rates.

Conclusions:

• The Focus Harmonic Scalpel demonstrates advantages in protecting parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery.
• It effectively reduces the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia.
• These benefits are particularly noted in patients undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer.