Surgical completeness of total thyroidectomy using harmonic scalpel: comparison with conventional total thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the surgical completeness and outcome of total thyroidectomy in two patient groups: One treated by harmonic scalpel (HS) and one by conventional total thyroidectomy (CT).MethodsBetween March 2006 and December 2007, 104 patients had total thyroidectomy by HS and 108 patients underwent CT. We analyzed clinicopathological characteristics and stimulated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), and anti-Tg antibodies at the time of ablation for both groups.ResultsCompared with the CT group, the HS group had shorter operating time and hospital stays and reduced postoperative drainage. At postsurgical ablation, mean serum TSH was 80.47 ± 21.77 mU/L in the HS group and 69.74 ± 21.17 mU/L in the CT group, with significant between-group differences (P < 0.001). Mean serum Tg levels after TSH stimulation were 1.57 ± 3.17 and 3.95 ± 10.14 ng/mL in the HS and CT groups, respectively, with significant between-group differences (P = 0.028).ConclusionTotal thyroidectomy with an HS is a relatively safe and effective technique for use in patients with PTC. The HS provides surgical completeness and has a beneficial effect on successful ablation.