Advantages of a new technique of neck dissection using an ultrasonic scalpel.
The aim of the study was to see whether a new technique of a neck dissection applying an ultrasonic activated (harmonic) scalpel would improve patient recovery.


METHODS
A prospective, non-randomized study was undertaken on 40 supraomohyoid neck dissections performed using a harmonic scalpel (20 pts) or electrocoagulation (20 pts). The evaluation included: operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative seroma formation and pattern of wound healing.


RESULTS
The operative time (mean+/-SD) using a harmonic scalpel was significantly shorter (52+/-10 min vs. 86+/-22 min; p<or=0.001) and the blood loss was less (13+/-7 ml vs. 85+/-58 ml; p<or=0.001), neck drainage on the first and second postoperative days were significantly smaller after using the ultrasonic scalpel (30+/-26 ml; 44+/-23 ml vs. 77+/-65 ml; 118+/-66 ml, p<or=0.001). Wound healing complications amounted to only 5% (20% in the control group).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the harmonic scalpel during neck dissection led to diminished bleeding, shorter operative time, lesser seroma formation and better wound healing in the postoperative period.
Kos
Marcin
M
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum Minden, Germany. mkos@dilnet.wroc.pl
Engelke
Werner
W
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D004322:Drainage; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology