Application of LigaSure small jaw instrument vs the Harmonic FOCUS in open total thyroidecto-my

Abstract

Objective To compare the application of LigaSure small jaw instrument (LSJI) ver-sus Harmonic FOCUS in total thyroidectomy. Methods The clinical data of 189 patients undergoing to-tal thyroidectomy from June 2013 to October 2013 in Thyroid Surgery Department were analyzed retro-spectively. The patients were divided into L (LSIJ) group and F (FOCUS) group according to the assisstant instrument during operation. The mean operative time to remove thyroid gland and postoperative complica-tions (such as hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, drinking cough and hypocalcemia) were com-pared between the two groups. Results The mean operative time of L group and F group was (35.3±8.6) min and (48.5±9.1) min, respectively. Student's t-test showed that using LSJI in total thyroidectomy was signif-icantly associated with shorter operative time (P<0.05). Oppositely, hematoma in or after operation, com-plications of hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and drinking cough between two groups showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Both LigaSure small jaw instrument and Har-monic FOCUS are safe and effective for open total thyroidectomy, while LigaSure small jaw instruent is more efficient to remove thyroid gland. Key words: Thyroidectomy; Hypoparathyroidism; Recurrent laryngeal nerve; Hematoma; Hemor-rhage