The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 199, Issue 6 , Pages 736-740, June 2010

Evaluation of a new ultrasonic device in thyroid surgery: comparative randomized study

  • Paolo Miccoli, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via, Rome 67 56100, Pisa, Italy
    • ,
  • Gabriele Materazzi, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via, Rome 67 56100, Pisa, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +00 39 05 0992400; fax: +00 39 05 0551369
    • ,
  • Mario Miccoli, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    • ,
  • Gianluca Frustaci, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via, Rome 67 56100, Pisa, Italy
    • ,
  • Alessandra Fosso, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via, Rome 67 56100, Pisa, Italy
    • ,
  • Piero Berti, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via, Rome 67 56100, Pisa, Italy

Received 24 January 2009; received in revised form 5 April 2009

Abstract 

Background

Conventional techniques for hemostasis during thyroidectomy rely on knot tying, clips, and electrocoagulation. Recently, the Harmonic FOCUS Shear (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc, Cincinnati, OH) was developed for thyroidectomy.

Methods

Between December 2007 and March 2008, 62 consecutive patients (45 women, 17 men; mean age 50.9 years) undergoing thyroidectomy were randomized into 2 groups: group A, where the FOCUS was used, and group B, where electrocoagulation and clamp-and-tie technique were used.

Results

The 2 groups were similar in terms of age, sex ratio, indication for surgery, and thyroid volume. Operative time was significantly shorter in group A. Significantly fewer clips and ties were used, and postoperative pain and suction balloon amount were also significantly lower in the FOCUS group. The only postoperative complication was a patient with transient hypocalcemia in group B.

Conclusions

FOCUS is a reliable and safe tool for thyroidectomy. Its utilization is associated with a shorter operative time, less blood loss, and less postoperative pain.

Keywords: Thyroidectomy, Ultrasonic device, Electrocautery, Clamp and tie complications

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0002-9610(09)00299-2

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.04.003

The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 199, Issue 6 , Pages 736-740, June 2010

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution