UltraCision harmonic scalpel versus clamp‐and‐tie total thyroidectomy: A clinical trial

Abstract

Use of the Harmonic Scalpel in total thyroidectomy is more effective than the clamp-and-tie technique: the duration of surgery, intraoperative difficulty, postoperative pain, and hospitalization are reduced. Both techniques are equivalent concerning RLN injuries, postoperative vocal alterations, and blood loss.

Harmonic Scalpel versus Conventional Dissection Technique in Pylorus-Preserving Partial Duodenopancreatectomy

“…Although we did not perform a cost analysis, one might hypothesize that the documented savings of blood transfusions, operating time and suture material in pancreatic surgery compensate the costs of the ultrasonic dissection device. This has been well documented for thyroid [36][37][38] and colorectal surgery [10,11,29,39]. In addition, Gehrig et al [13] were able to show that in PPD resections the respective surgery-related costs tended to be lower (p = 0.23) in the LigaSure group (EUR 4,125) compared to the conventional group (EUR 4,931).…”

Minimally invasive video‐assisted total thyroidectomy: An easy to learn technique for skillful surgeons

“…Patients receiving anticoagulation treatment for other medical conditions were excluded. In fact, as mentioned in other studies, 8,12 adequate hemostasis and keeping the operative field dry are of utmost importance during thyroid surgery because of the anatomical complexity involved and the need to avoid damage to nerve structures and parathyroid glands. To minimize the probability of intraoperative bleeding those patients were excluded.…”

“…This parameter could reflect the stress of the parathyroids, even when these are not excised. 8,22 DWBC (postoperative minus preoperative white blood cell count). In our previous study, 8 we proposed the Abbreviation: DWBC, change in white blood cell count (postoperative minus preoperative white blood cell count).…”

“…No patients with a previous operation of the thyroid gland were included, to avoid possible alteration of the regional anatomy. Additionally, patients participating in other clinical trials that could potentially affect this study's outcomes were also excluded (eg, the patients included in the study reported by Papavramidis et al 8 ). Patients receiving anticoagulation treatment for other medical conditions were excluded.…”

“…The procedure performed was MIVATT, as described previously by Miccoli et al, 6,8 in which the only variation was use of a harmonic scalpel and a holding device for the camera. However, the criteria for operating on a patient with this technique were not those defined by Miccoli et al, 9 but those mentioned in our trial registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identification number NCT00692835).…”