Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The mainstay for achieving hemostasis in thyroid surgery has been tying and/or clipping of blood vessels, both effective but time-consuming techniques. The present study was conducted to compare harmonic scalpel compared to conventional hemostasis in thyroid surgery. Materials & Methods: 110 patients undergoing various thyroid surgical procedures of both genderswere classified into 2 groups of 55 each. In group I, conventional technique was followed and in group II the harmonic scalpel was used for surgery.Parameters such as operative time, drainage volume during the first 24 hours after surgery, postoperative pain, hospital stay, and incidence of complications etc. were recorded. Results: Diagnosis was simple multinodular goiter in 68 and toxic multinodular goiter in 42 cases. The mean operative time (mins) was 68.4 in group I and 46.3 in group II. Postoperative drainage at 24 hours (mL) was 56.2 in group I and 38.5 in group II and hospital stay (days) was 3.2in group I and 2.4 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: In total thyroidectomy, harmonic scalpel is a reliable and safe tool and its use is more effective than conventional hemostasis technique.