Thyroid surgery: use of ligasure vessel sealing system versus conventional knot tying method

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the use of conventional knot tying vs. LigaSure Vessel Sealing System [Valley lab, Boulder, Colorado] in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. We hypothesized that the use of LigaSure would reduce the time of operation without more complications. This study was conducted in Endocrine Surgery Unit, Mansoura University Hospital on patients who underwent thyroid surgery from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. 110 patients were operated upon by the same team of surgeons using conventional knot tying in 55 and LigaSure in 55 patients for hemostasis. The medical records of patients enrolled regarding age, sex, histopathological diagnosis, type of operation performed [lobectomy vs. subtotal thyroidectomy vs. total thyroidectomy]; the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, length of incision, hospital stay and cost, as well as the postoperative pain and outcome were reviewed and compared. The two groups had nearly similar demographic data. We have noticed that patients in the LigaSure[TM] group had significant lower operating times [P = 0.000], lower intraoperative blood loss [P = 0.000], less postoperative pain and early pain-free return to normal activity and return to work [P = 0.0001]. LigaSure Vessel Sealing System was as safe as conventional knot tying method for thyroidectomy, with the benefit of a reduced operating time, decreased postoperative pain and early pain-free return to normal activity and return to work