Background. Total thyroidectomy is associated with minimal morbidity.
The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system is an adjunct to the
surgical technique, recently made available to thyroid surgery.
Methods. This is a prospective randomized trial of total thyroidectomies
performed in single unit from July 2003 to May 2004. Patients were
randomly assigned in two groups: group A (n = 90), total thyroidectomy
with the classic suture ligation technique; and group B (n = 94), total
thyroidectomy with the use of the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing
system.
Results. Operative time was significantly reduced in group B by 14
minutes (mean difference, 14.3 +/- 4.2 minutes, 95% Cl, 5.88-22.6
minutes). No statistically significant differences were found in
postoperative complications, postoperative serum calcium measurements,
or hospital stay between the two groups.
Conclusions. The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system is a safe
and useful, time-saving adjunct for total thyroidectomy. (c) 2005 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc
