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Thermal sealing systems with and without tissue divider for total thyroidectomy
Author(s) -
Glover Anthony R.,
Gundara Justin S.,
Lee James C.,
Sywak Mark S.,
Delbridge Leigh W.,
Sidhu Stan B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.12406
Subject(s) - medicine , hypoparathyroidism , surgery , thyroidectomy , complication , demographics , incidence (geometry) , thyroid , physics , demography , sociology , optics
Background Sutureless thyroid surgery utilizing thermal sealing is now well established. However, incremental advances in technology still require formal clinical evaluation in order to ensure that added technology does not compromise safety. In this study, we compared a new thermal sealing device incorporating a tissue divider ( L iga S ure S mall J aw) with the device we have previously reported for use in total thyroidectomy ( L iga S ure P recise). Methods A cohort study was undertaken of 872 total thyroidectomies over a 2‐year period. Patients were selected for each group on the basis of device availability within four institutions and outcomes were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Results S mall J aw was used in 399 cases and P recise in 473. No significant differences between patient demographics (sex, age), operation indication or pathology were found. Significantly more S mall J aw operations were performed in private versus public hospitals ( P < 0.01). Regarding outcomes, there was no significant difference in the incidence of any complication (haematoma, temporary/permanent hypoparathyroidism or temporary/permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury). In a subgroup analysis of operations performed in the public hospital system, S mall J aw was found to be significantly faster (mean operative time: 79 versus 103 min) (95% CI 74–84 and 96–110 min) ( P < 0.01). Conclusion The incorporation of a tissue divider into thermal sealing devices is efficacious and safe, with no compromise in clinical outcome, while providing the added benefit of a significant reduction in operative times.