Impact of the harmonic scalpel hemostasis in total thyroidectomy in comparison with conventional hemostatic technique

Abstract EN

Traditional haemostatic technique in thyroidectomy may cause some damages to surrounding tissues and it is time consuming.

It is believed that these damages and the time can be reduced using ultrasonic dissector devices like Harmonic Scalpel.

In this study, we investigate the benefits of harmonic Scalpel haemostasis (HS) versus conventional haemostatic techniques (CT) in total thyroidectomy.

Analysis of patient’s data was done for cases with total thyroidectomies performed between 2011and 2015 by the same surgeons using either the conventional technique (Clamp and Tie technique) or the harmonic scalpel for haemostasis.

Gender, age, preoperative clinical information, histopathology results,and procedure type were analyzed.

and according to the type of haemostatic techniques the collected patient’s data was divided in to two groups; conventional group (CT group) in which the haemostasis was done with Clamp and Tie technique and harmonic scalpel group (HS group) in which the haemostasis was done with Harmonic Scalpel (Sonicbeat Olympus).

The outcome and the complications of the both procedures were analyzed statistically and compared.

The use of harmonic scalpel in total thyroidectomy significantly decreases mean operative time by (-37.635 min) 60.49±7.78 SD for HS group vs 98.13±14.165 SD for CT group with very significant P-value (0.0000).

Statistical significant difference in the mean volume of postoperative drainage in (ml) through redivac drain observed between the two groups; 63.02±19.91SD for HS group and 72.50±22.79 SD for CT group with significant P-value (0.0000).

There were no significant difference in the other parameters of the outcome and complications after total thyroidectomy in both groups.

It is concluded from this study that main impact of harmonic scalpel in total thyroidectomy is the significant reduction in operative time and its use is safe and not associated with increase in the rate of the complications