Journal List > Korean J Endocr Surg > v.9(4) > 1060369

Yu, Han, Kim, and Kim: A Comparison of the Usefulness and Safety of the HarmonicTM Scalpel, LigasureTM System, and Classic Clamp-and-Tie Technique for Hemostasis during Thyroid Surgery

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of total thyroidectomy performed with the LigasureTM system, HarmonicTM scalpel, and the conventional clamp-and-tie technique.

Methods

Between November 2006 and July 2009, the data were retrospectively collected from 600 consecutive total thyroidectomies by one surgeon. All cases were divided into 3 groups based on the method of hemostasis: classic group patients (n=200) underwent total thyroidectomy with the conventional clamp-and-tie technique Ligasure group patients (n=200) underwent total thyroidectomy with the LigasureTM system (electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system) and the Harmonic group patients (n=200) underwent total thyroidectomy with a HarmonicTM scalpel (ultrasonic cutting and coagulating surgical device). We compared the clinical outcomes with respect to the operative time, amount and duration of drainage, hospital stay, and post-operative complications.

Results

The three groups were similar with respect to clinical and demographic characteristics, with the exception of invasiveness. The mean operative time of the Harmonic group was significantly shorter than the other 2 groups (P <0.001) specifically, 75 min in the Harmonic group, 87 min in the Ligasure group, and 120 min in the classic group. The amount of drainage in the Harmonic group was greater than the other groups (P<0.001). Similarly, the duration of drainage and hospital stay of the Harmonic group were longer than the other groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the three groups.

Conclusion

Hemostasis during thyroidectomy by the HarmonicTM scalpel or LigasureTM system was safe and timesaving. Therefore, the HarmonicTM scalpel and LigasureTM system will be available for thyroid surgery as alternative techniques for the clamp-and-tie technique.

References

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Table 1.
Clinical and demographic characteristics of our patients
  Classic (n=200) Ligasure (n=200) Harmonic (n=200) P value
Age (years) 48.09±11.32 49.01±10.88 48.42±11.51 0.715*
Gender       0.684
 Male 18 (9.0%) 21 (10.5%) 16 (8.0%)  
 Female 182 (91.0%) 179 (89.5%) 184 (92.0%)  
Site of the lesion       0.642
 Unilateral 162 (81.0%) 155 (77.5%) 161 (80.5%)  
 Bilateral 38 (19.0%) 45 (22.5%) 39 (19.5%)  
Size of the mass (cm) 1.00±1.07 1.12±1.17 0.98±0.62 0.308*
Cases with the invasion 30 (15.0%) 21 (10.5%) 118 (59.0%) <0.001
Diagnosis       0.138
 Benign 21 (10.5%) 31 (15.5%) 19 (9.5%)  
 Malignancy 179 (89.5%) 169 (84.5%) 181 (90.5%)  
Postoperative Tg level (ng/ml) 1.04±0.85 0.96±0.87 1.01±0.83 0.638*

* One-way ANOVA;

Chi-square test;

Capsular invasion.

Table 2.
Comparisons of the operation outcomes
  Classic (n=200) Ligasure (n=200) Harmonic (n=200) P value
Operation time (min) 120.48±39.60 87.53±27.55 75.30±19.21 <0.001*
Amount of drainage (ml) 81.89±70.76 80.29±54.18 116.94±63.00 <0.001*
Duration of drainage (day) 2.87±1.36 2.99±1.90 4.37±1.55 <0.001*
Hospital stay (day) 4.73±2.06 5.02±2.03 6.90±1.65 <0.001*
iCa (mmol/L) 1.04±0.11 1.03±0.09 1.03±0.09 0.670*

* One-way ANOVA.

Table 3.
Comparisons of the complications
  Classic (n=200) Ligasure (n=200) Harmonic (n=200) P value
Numbness 120 (60.0%) 107 (53.5%) 124 (64.0%) 0.098
iCa (mmol/L) 1.04±0.11 1.03±0.09 1.03±0.09 0.670*
Hoarseness 2 (1.0%) 0 (0.0%) 6 (3.0%)
Hematoma 2 (1.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%)

* One-way ANOVA;

Chi-square test.

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