Total thyroidectomy with ultrasonic scalpel: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

Head Neck. 2012 Jun;34(6):805-12. doi: 10.1002/hed.21815. Epub 2012 Feb 2.

Abstract

Background: The ultrasonic scalpel is a recently introduced device in head and neck surgery. Total thyroidectomy is the most common endocrine procedure performed by surgeons.

Methods: This was an open, phase IV, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared the use of an ultrasonic scalpel with a conventional technique in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The outcomes were surgical complication rate, operative time, drainage volume, postoperative pain, and costs.

Results: In all, 261 patients were included in 11 centers. There was a mean difference of 17% of operative time in favor of the ultrasonic scalpel group. There were no differences in postoperative complications. There was a difference in costs of 14% in favor of the ultrasonic scalpel group, but it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The use of an ultrasonic scalpel was as safe as that of the conventional technique and had the advantage of a shorter operative time and lower postoperative drainage. Costs were not different between groups.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase IV
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Goiter / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thyroidectomy / economics
  • Thyroidectomy / instrumentation*
  • Time Factors
  • Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*