Comparing Two Approaches for Thyroidectomy: A Health Technology Assessment through DMAIC Cycle

Area of Science:

• Endocrine Surgery
• Health Technology Assessment
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Total thyroidectomy (TT) is a common endocrine surgery procedure.
• Hemostasis during TT can be achieved through various surgical methods.
• New devices have emerged to aid hemostasis in TT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare traditional TT with TT using a new hemostatic device.
• To conduct a health technology assessment of the novel device.
• To evaluate clinical outcomes and identify advantages of the new device.

Main Methods:

• A Six Sigma methodology (DMAIC cycle) was employed for the assessment.
• A population of 104 patients undergoing TT was studied.
• Statistical tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis) and visual management diagrams were used for comparison.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found between traditional TT and TT using the new device.
• Key quality indicators including length of hospital stay, drain output, and surgery time showed no improvement.
• The study found no appreciable clinical advantages associated with the new device.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of the new device for total thyroidectomy does not currently offer significant clinical advantages.
• Further cost-benefit analysis is recommended to evaluate the economic impact of the device.
• Findings can inform healthcare policy leaders and clinicians on biomedical technology adoption.