Adequate hemostasis in thyroidectomy is important to reduce postoperative complications including bleeding and hematoma. The object of this study was to evaluate the utility of thyroidectomy using ultrasonically activated shears.

This was a prospective randomized controlled study. It was conducted on 95 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between January and March 2009. Patients were divided into two groups according to operation method used: group A (n=49) underwent total thyroidectomy using ultrasonically activated shears, group B (n=46) involved the conventional clamp and tie maneuver. Comparisons included operation time, drain amount, hospitalization, postoperative complications and off-thyroglobulin.

The two groups had no significant differences regarding drain amount, hospitalization, postoperative complications and off-thyroglobulin. Operation time was statistically shorter in group A than group B (96.6±22.7 min vs 114.6±24.3 min) (P=.00).

Thyroidectomy using ultrasonically activated shears reduces operation time significantly, and enables a complete and safe operation without postoperative complications. We recommend the use of ultrasonically activated shears in thyroidectomy.