3 research outputs found
Prospective control trial: flexible CO2 laser vs. monopolar electrocautery for robotic microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord
Histopathological Assessment in Glossectomy
Objectives. The aim of the study was to gather information on outcomes and effect sizes of 2 surgical methods of glossectomy by using a grade system and an objective measure of artifacts in micrometers (mm). The collected data would be used to plan a definitive study. Study Design. Pilot study. Setting. Tertiary referral center. Material and Methods. Nineteen patients affected with tongue cancer were consecutively enrolled in a pilot study and treated by partial glossectomy. Eleven patients (57.89%) of group A were treated with monopolar electrocautery, while 8 patients (42.10%) of group B were treated with Harmonic Focus Curved Shears. Specimens were examined by a pathologist blinded to the surgical procedure, using a 4-grade system for margin artifact assessment (margin fragmentation, cautery/crush artifact, extravascular blood clot, capillary congestion) and for measuring artifact depth. Results. Artifact depth was more relevant in group A (765,633 mu m) than in group B (473,939 mu m). The difference between groups was significant at the 95% confidence interval (P < .0001). Margin fragmentation and capillary congestion compared between the 2 groups were of no significance. There were less cautery/crush artifacts and extravascular blood clots observed in the harmonic shears group. Conclusion. When used to perform a partial glossectomy, Harmonic Focus Curved Shears produce less cautery/crush artifact and a smaller artifact depth compared with monopolar cautery