title: Standard bipolar diathermy forceps vessel ligation is safe in thyroidectomy.
abstract: Bleeding is a major complication of thyroid surgery. A retrospective study was performed comparing the outcomes of patients undergoing thyroid surgery where bipolar diathermy with standard bipolar forceps was used for vessel ligation (n = 64) compared to clamp-and-tie (n = 89). Fewer drains were inserted and patients were discharged earlier when standard bipolar diathermy was used for vessel ligation in hemithyroidectomies (P < 0.001). Complication rates were similar. The use of bipolar diathermy with standard forceps for vessel ligation in thyroid surgery has been shown to be as safe and effective as the clamp-and-tie technique, while resulting in earlier patient discharge. This technique is cost-efficient as it provides the advantage of reduced inpatient stay reported using bipolar vessel sealing devices or the harmonic scalpel, but without the additional expense.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent, UK. jamestysome@yahoo.com
authors.forename: James Russell
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Tysome
authors.forename: Rudaina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004322:Drainage; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008026:Ligation / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult