The use of the Ligasure for hemostasis during thyroid lobectomy.
BACKGROUND
The Ligasure electrothermal vessel sealer (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) has been introduced as a new method for hemostasis during thyroidectomy. We hypothesized that the use of Ligasure would potentially reduce operative time during thyroid surgery.


METHODS
From 2001 to 2005, 150 patients had a thyroid lobectomy by a single surgeon. Data from these patients were prospectively collected in a database and retrospectively analyzed.


RESULTS
Of the 150 patients, 51 underwent thyroid lobectomy with the use of the Ligasure and 99 patients underwent conventional ligation of vessels. There were no differences between groups with regard to demographic factors, thyroid gland pathology, or complications. Operative time was significantly shortened by 40 minutes in patients who had surgery with the Ligasure.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy, the use of the Ligasure decreases operating room time and is associated with no increase in complications. Thus, we advocate the routine use of this technology during thyroid surgery.
Musunuru
Sandeepa
S
Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, H4/750 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Schaefer
Sarah
S
Chen
Herbert
H
D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors