We performed a retrospective review of 255 thyroidectomy cases, including 179 cases of a total thyroidectomy and 76 cases of a total thyroidectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection. We concluded that the use of fibrin tissue glue was effective for reducing the amount of drainage and the hospital stay following extended thyroid surgery, such as a total thyroidectomy plus a modified radical neck dissection. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of the use of fibrin tissue glue for reducing the amount of drainage and shortening the hospital stay in patientsthat received only a thyroidectomy.

A total of 39 papillary thyroid cancer patients were enrolled. Only total thyroidectomy cases were included in the study. Clinical factors were compared between the case group (receiving fibrin glue) of patients and the control group (treated with conventional hemostasis only) of patients. The operator was blinded to use of fibrin tissue glue until the end of hemostasis. We used an on-line randomization system to determine the use of fibrin tissue glue. After the surgery, the following factors were analyzed: first postoperative date drainage amount, cumulative amount, average amount and postoperative hospital stay.

Twenty-two cases where fibrin tissue glue was utilized and 17 cases where no fibrin tissue glue was utilized were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups for drainage and the length of hospital stay.

Based on the results of a previous retrospective study, we recommendedthe use of fibrin tissue glue after extensive radical neck surgery such as a modified radical neck dissection. Considering the results of the prospective randomized study, the use of fibrin tissue glue is not necessary for patients undergoing only a total thyroidectomy.