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Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system is a safe and time-saving alternative to classic suture ligation in total thyroidectomy.

Citation:

Manouras A, Lagoudianakis EE, Antonakis PT, Filippakis GM, Markogiannakis H, Kekis PB. Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system is a safe and time-saving alternative to classic suture ligation in total thyroidectomy. Head Neck. 2005;27(11):959-62. Copy at http://www.tinyurl.com/yosl68n2

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Total thyroidectomy is associated with minimal morbidity. The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system is an adjunct to the surgical technique, recently made available to thyroid surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized trial of total thyroidectomies performed in single unit from July 2003 to May 2004. Patients were randomly assigned in two groups: group A (n = 90), total thyroidectomy with the classic suture ligation technique; and group B (n = 94), total thyroidectomy with the use of the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system. RESULTS: Operative time was significantly reduced in group B by 14 minutes (mean difference, 14.3 +/- 4.2 minutes, 95% CI, 5.88-22.6 minutes). No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative complications, postoperative serum calcium measurements, or hospital stay between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system is a safe and useful, time-saving adjunct for total thyroidectomy.