Sutureless thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objective: The ultrasonic scalpel is a surgical shear that uses high-frequency mechanical energy to enable simultaneous vessel sealing and tissue coagulation at the same time. We conducted a prospective study to compare the outcome of total thyroidectomy using the ultrasonic scalpel versus the device Ligasure in terms of safety, operative time, overall drainage volume, complications, hospital stay.

Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2013,400 patients (260 women, 140 men; mean age 46 years) undergoing thyroidectomy were randomized into two groups: group A, where Ultracision were used, and group B, where the Ligasure device was used.

Results: There was no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, indication for thyroidectomy, thyroid gland weight and diameter, histopathologic diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative serum calcium levels, postoperative complications and reoperative thyroid surgery, time of operation and amount of drainage.

Conclusions: The ultrasonic scalpel and the Ligasure ares safe, effective, useful, and time-saving alternative to the traditional suture ligation technique for thyroid surgery. They simplified total thyroidectomy, eliminating the need for clamp-and-tie maneuvers while achieving efficient hemostasis.

Keywords: Hemostasis; Ligasure device; Thyroidectomy; Ultrasonic device.