Einsatz des Ultraschallskalpells in der konventionellen Schilddrüsenchirurgie

INTRODUCTION: Use of the harmonic scalpel is well established in surgery. The simple use and ability to save blood and time make this equipment usable in thyroid surgery, too. METHODS: In a prospective, nonrandomized study including 32 patients, operating time, weight of resected thyroid tissue, and complications were analysed. A classic surgery group (ligature and HF electrosurgery) was compared with an ultracision group. RESULTS: Mean+/-SD operative time was shorter in the harmonic scalpel group than in the conventional technique group (143.12+/-25.24 min vs 64.68+/-23.83 min, P<0.01).There was no difference between the two techniques regarding complications and patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery is a safe procedure. The possibility it presents of saving operative time without increasing complications has now been published in several studies.