RESUMO
Objective: to determine whether use of ultrasonic dissector [UD] in thyroid surgery results in shorter operative time, hospital stay and reduced average drainage and to compare the incidence of postoperative complications with electrocautery [EC]
Material and Methods: hundred patients with thyroid disease were inducted in the study. The patients were randomized in two groups. Group A [EC], and Group B [UD]
Results: the study carried out on patients undergoing ultrasonic dissector group B [UD] for thyroid surgery revealed meager post-operative complications attributable to harmonic scalpel but on the contrary the benefits were decrease in operative time, less post-operative pain, less drainage, early hospital discharge and very few complications as compared to Electrocautery group A [EC]
Conclusion: the complete ultrasonic dissection of thyroid gland with Harmonic scalpel is not only safe but it also reduces pain, hematoma formation and drainage. Hospital stay and operative time is also shortened