title: Effectiveness of an advanced hemostatic pad combined with harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery. A prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hemostasis during thyroidectomy is essential; however the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve this is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of total thyroidectomy (TT) performed with the combination of harmonic scalpel (HS) and an advanced hemostatic pad (Hemopatch).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient undergone TT were divided into two groups: HS + hemopatch and HS + traditional hemostasis groups. The primary endpoint was 24-h drain output and blood-loss requiring reintervention. Secondary endpoints included surgery duration, postsurgical complications and hypocalcemia rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between September 2014 and March 2015, 60 patients were enrolled (30 to Hs + Hemopatch, 30 to Hs and standard hemostasis); 71.4% female; mean age 48.5 years. The 24-h drain output was lower in the HS + hemopatch group compared with standard TT. HS and hemopatch also had a shorter mean surgery time (p < 0.0001) vs standard TT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  combination of hemopatch plus HS is effective and safe for TT with a complementary hemostatic approach.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. Electronic address: Roberto.ruggiero@unina2.it.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ruggiero
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Ludovico
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Docimo
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tolone
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Palma
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Musella
authors.affiliation: Surgical Unit, University of Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pezzolla
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Adelmo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gubitosi
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Parmeggiani
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pirozzi
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gili
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parisi
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Alessandro
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Docimo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Harmonic scalpel; Hemopatch; Total thyroidectomy