Thyroidectomy using the harmonic scalpel: analysis of 105 consecutive cases.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report was to evaluate the technical benefits, if any, of thyroidectomy using the harmonic scalpel versus conventional thyroidectomy.


METHODS
One hundred five consecutive patients underwent thyroidectomy over 1 year with use of the harmonic scalpel. They were compared with a group of 20 patients who underwent thyroidectomy 1 year earlier using conventional techniques.


RESULTS
The incision length for those undergoing thyroidectomy with the harmonic knife averaged 4.5 cm compared with 5.5 cm for the conventional thyroidectomy group. The operating time for a hemithyroidectomy averaged 50 minutes for the harmonic scalpel group versus 80 minutes for the conventional technique. The operating time for a total thyroidectomy averaged 80 minutes for the harmonic scalpel group versus 120 minutes for the conventional thyroidectomy group.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery offers several advantages over the conventional technique. The incision length is shorter and the operating time is reduced. Bleeding is negligible and complications are few.


CONCLUSIONS
The harmonic scalpel, whose use was pioneered in laparoscopic surgery, offers the thyroid surgeon the ability to safely and expeditiously control the feeding vessels through a limited field.
Shemen
Larry
L
Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, USA. larrys@firstgate.net
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome