Premium
Prospective trial of the ultrasonic dissector in thyroid surgery
Author(s) -
Leonard David S.,
Timon Conrad
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20805
Subject(s) - medicine , thyroid , surgery , euthyroid , thyroiditis , thyroidectomy , prospective cohort study
Background Use of the ultrasonic dissector in thyroid surgery is becoming more prevalent, with reduced operative time and incision size reported. We assessed the value of the harmonic scalpel in routine thyroid lobectomy. Methods We conducted a single blind, prospective pilot study of 52 euthyroid patients requiring thyroid lobectomy. Those with lesions not suitable for resection through a 4‐cm incision, a history of thyroiditis, or uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction were excluded. Patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups: group I ( n = 31), thyroid lobectomies using conventional surgical techniques; or group II ( n = 21), thyroid lobectomies using the ultrasonic dissector. Results Outcomes for the 2 patient groups were comparable. There was no significant difference in operative time or incision size. Conclusions The ultrasonic dissector does not confer any quantifiable benefit in routine thyroid lobectomy when compared with conventional techniques. This is the first reported series in which its use has not reduced operative time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008