[The harmonic scalpel in conventional thyroid surgery. Possibilities and advantages].
BACKGROUND
Use of the harmonic scalpel is well established in surgery. The simple use and ability to save blood and time make this equipment usable in thyroid surgery, too.


METHODS
In a prospective, nonrandomized study including 32 patients, operating time, weight of resected thyroid tissue, and complications were analysed. A classic surgery group (ligature and HF electrosurgery) was compared with an ultracision group.


RESULTS
Mean+/-SD operative time was shorter in the harmonic scalpel group than in the conventional technique group (143.12+/-25.24 min vs 64.68+/-23.83 min, P<0.01). There was no difference between the two techniques regarding complications and patient characteristics.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery is a safe procedure. The possibility it presents of saving operative time without increasing complications has now been published in several studies.
Mantke
R
R
Klinik für Allgemein-,Viszeral und Gefässchirugie, Medizinische Fakultät der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg. rene.mantke@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Pross
M
M
Klose
S
S
Lehnert
H
H
Lippert
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004598:Electrosurgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*