The Harmonic Scalpel Application in Thyroid Surgery

New, modern devices for tissue resection have been introduced in the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases recent years. Aim: To present our experience with the use of the harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery. Patients and methods: For the period 2008 2011, 1398 patients (6 to 74 years old) with various thyroid deseases were operated on in our clinic. The resection was performed through a classic Kocher,s collar incision in 583 patients, using minimally ivasive open access in 641 patients and with video-assisted technique in 174 patients. In all patients a harmonic scalpel device (Ethicon Endosurgery Care Inc) has been used. The length of surgical incision, use of haemostatic instruments and ligatures, extent of resection, need of draining, operative time, intraand postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay have been examined . Results: The volume of resection ranged from istmusectomy to total thyroidectomy. During all operation haemostatic instruments and ligatures have not been used. Lack of bleeding and shortend operating time up to 45% were found. The use of draining is significantly reduced, regardless of the extent of resection. There was no increase in the incidence of intraand postoperative complications.Òhe postoperative stay was significantly reduced. Conclusion: In our opinion, the introduction in use of the harmonic scalpel changes the face of modern thyroid surgery providing reliable hemostasis and shortening the operating time significantly.