Prospective trial of the ultrasonic dissector in thyroid surgery.
BACKGROUND
Use of the ultrasonic dissector in thyroid surgery is becoming more prevalent, with reduced operative time and incision size reported. We assessed the value of the harmonic scalpel in routine thyroid lobectomy.


METHODS
We conducted a single blind, prospective pilot study of 52 euthyroid patients requiring thyroid lobectomy. Those with lesions not suitable for resection through a 4-cm incision, a history of thyroiditis, or uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction were excluded. Patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups: group I (n = 31), thyroid lobectomies using conventional surgical techniques; or group II (n = 21), thyroid lobectomies using the ultrasonic dissector.


RESULTS
Outcomes for the 2 patient groups were comparable. There was no significant difference in operative time or incision size.


CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasonic dissector does not confer any quantifiable benefit in routine thyroid lobectomy when compared with conventional techniques. This is the first reported series in which its use has not reduced operative time.
Leonard
David S
DS
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. leonarddavid@eircom.net
Timon
Conrad
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*