Clinical application of Focus harmonic scalpel in hypopharyngeal carcinoma with neck dissection

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy and applicability of Focus harmonic scalpel (HS) in hypopharyngeal carcinoma with neck dissection. Methods Clinical data of 59 patients underwent hypopharyngeal carcinoma from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2013 in the same operation group were analyzed retrospectively. Among which, 26 patients (HS group) were performed by the HS; the other 33 patietns(traditional group) were treated by electrotome and conventional knot tying. The following variables were examined: operation time, intraoperative bleeding, the number of removed cervical lymph nodes (LNs), postoperative drainage 24 h after operation, postoperative hospitalized time and surgical complications. Results It showed significant difference between the HS group and the traditional group in the operation time[(193.69±43.16)min vs (303.27±26.24)min], intraoperative bleeding[(82.85±14.04)mL vs (132.85±10.83)mL], postoperative drainage 24 h after operation[(54.46±8.17)mL vs (94.82±13.04)mL], and postoperative hospitalized time((15.00±5.70)d vs (22.79±12.45)d, t=11.393、15.454、14.522、3.193, all P values 0.05). Conclusions The Focus HS is a relatively safe and effective alternative method in hypopharyngeal carcinoma with neck dissection. Its application can be promoted clinically. Key words: Hypopharyngeal neoplasms; Neck dissection; Focus harmonic scalpel