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Spartalis E, Giannakodimos A, Ziogou A, Giannakodimos I, Paschou SA, Spartalis M, Schizas D, Troupis T. Effect of energy-based devices on post-operative parathyroid function and blood calcium levels after total thyroidectomy. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 18:291-298. [PMID: 33666537 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1899805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Energy-based devices are widely used in thyroid surgery in order to achieve optimal hemostasis, while their role in the incidence of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism comprises a topic evaluated in numerous studies.Areas covered: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the potential benefit of Ultrasonic Shears and Electrothermal Bipolar (Radiofrequency) System in thyroid surgery regarding the incidence of post-operative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases was conducted. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A statistically decreased rate of transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism was reported in 15 studies and 4 studies, respectively, when using energy-based devices. However, 18 and 13 surveys examined transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, respectively, and demonstrated no statistical difference between energy-based devices and conventional hemostasis. No difference was observed between the groups concerning permanent hypocalcemia. Out of 13 studies, only 2 showed a significant reduction in the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism in the energy-based device group.Expert opinion: Energy-based devices reduced the rate of transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgeries in 42.8% and 23.5% of the included studies, respectively. Further studies are needed to evaluate their impact on permanent post-operative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Spartalis
- 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research "N.S Christeas," National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Department of Anatomy, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakodimos
- 2 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Afroditi Ziogou
- Third Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Giannakodimos
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula A Paschou
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Spartalis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research "N.S Christeas," National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodore Troupis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Hua N, Quimby AE, Johnson-Obaseki S. Comparing Hematoma Incidence between Hemostatic Devices in Total Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 161:770-778. [PMID: 31331260 DOI: 10.1177/0194599819865248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alternative energy devices have become a popular alternative to conventional hemostasis in thyroid surgery. These devices have been shown to reduce operative time and thermal nerve injury. As hemostasis is paramount in thyroid surgery, we sought to examine the relative efficacy of 2 alternate energy devices compared to conventional hemostasis in preventing postoperative hematoma following total thyroidectomy. DATA SOURCES Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. REVIEW METHODS A systematic literature search was performed for all relevant English-language studies published between 1946 and July 2018. Two authors independently extracted data and analyzed articles for quality using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Scale. Our primary outcome of interest was hematoma requiring reoperation. RESULTS A total of 348 studies were screened, with 23 meeting the inclusion criteria. We found no significant difference in postoperative hematoma rates using alternate energy devices compared to conventional hemostasis (P = .370, .317). Network meta-analysis echoed the results of conventional meta-analysis, demonstrating no significant difference in hematoma rates. CONCLUSIONS We found no significant difference in postoperative hematoma rates following total thyroidectomy for any indication with the use of alternate energy devices compared to conventional hemostatic techniques. This suggests that hematoma occurrence does not necessarily need to be considered when choosing between these hemostatic devices. This information may help guide surgeons' decisions regarding choice of hemostatic technique during thyroid surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Hua
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Aires FT, Matos LLD, Dedivitis RA, Cernea CR. Effectiveness of harmonic scalpel in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy: systematic review with meta-analysis. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2018; 64:649-657. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.64.07.649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Blanchard C, Pattou F, Brunaud L, Hamy A, Dahan M, Mathonnet M, Volteau C, Caillard C, Durand-Zaleski I, Mirallié E. Randomized clinical trial of ultrasonic scissors versus conventional haemostasis to compare complications and economics after total thyroidectomy (FOThyr). BJS Open 2017; 1:2-10. [PMID: 29951599 PMCID: PMC5989994 DOI: 10.1002/bjs5.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The benefits of single‐use ultrasonic scissors in thyroid surgery are still debated. Although this device has been shown to reduce operating time compared with conventional haemostasis, its cost‐effectiveness has never been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, cost‐effectiveness and safety of ultrasonic scissors for total thyroidectomy. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, multicentre trial conducted at 13 hospital sites. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with hypocalcaemia (serum calcium level below 2 mmol/l) on day 2. Secondary endpoints included postoperative complications and costs, with calculation of incremental cost differences and cost‐effectiveness ratios. Results In total, 1329 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were included in the analysis: 670 were randomized to treatment with ultrasonic scissors and 659 to conventional haemostasis. There was no difference between groups in the rate of complications, including hypocalcaemia on day 2 (19.7 per cent in ultrasonic scissors group versus 20.3 per cent in conventional haemostasis group; P = 0·743). Median operating times were significantly shorter with ultrasonic scissors (90 versus 100 min with conventional haemostasis; P < 0·001). Total mean(s.d.) direct costs at 6 months were €4311(1547) and €4011(1596) respectively (P < 0·001). Conclusion Ultrasonic scissors were no more clinically effective than conventional haemostasis, but use of these devices was more costly. Registration number: NCT01551914 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- C Blanchard
- Clinique de Chirurgie Digestive et Endocrinienne Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes Nantes France
| | - F Pattou
- Chirurgie Générale et Endocrinienne, CHU Lille Université de Lille Lille France
| | - L Brunaud
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Hépato-Biliaire et Endocrinienne CHU Nancy - Hôpital de Brabois Nancy France
| | - A Hamy
- Chirurgie Digestive et Endocrinienne CHU Angers Angers France
| | - M Dahan
- Chirurgie Thoracique, Pôle Voies Respiratoires CHU de Toulouse - Hôpital Larrey Toulouse France
| | - M Mathonnet
- Chirurgie Digestive, Générale et Endocrinienne CHU de Limoges - Hôpital Dupuytren Limoges France
| | - C Volteau
- Département Promotion Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation Nantes France
| | - C Caillard
- Clinique de Chirurgie Digestive et Endocrinienne Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes Nantes France
| | - I Durand-Zaleski
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Unité de Recherche Clinique en Économie de la Santé d'Île-de-France Hôpital de l'Hôtel-Dieu Paris France
| | - E Mirallié
- Clinique de Chirurgie Digestive et Endocrinienne Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes Nantes France
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A comparison of surgical outcomes and complications between hemostatic devices for thyroid surgery: a network meta-analysis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 274:1269-1278. [DOI: 10.1007/s00405-016-4190-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Revelli L, Damiani G, Bianchi CBNA, Vanella S, Ricciardi W, Raffaelli M, Lombardi CP. Complications in thyroid surgery. Harmonic Scalpel, Harmonic Focus versus Conventional Hemostasis: A meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2016; 28 Suppl 1:S22-32. [PMID: 26768409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications, hemostatic effects and safety of Total Thyroidectomy (TT) performed using the Harmonic Scalpel (HS), the Harmonic Focus (HF) or Conventional Hemostasis (CH). METHODS The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted from 2003 to 2014 and stringent criteria were required for inclusion. Thirteen studies concerning an overall population of 1458 compared HS versus CH, whilst 8 studies with 1667 patients compared HF versus CH. RESULTS There was a significant reduction of operative time (Mean Difference [MD] = -25.49 min.; 95% CI -32.43 to -18.55), intraoperative blood loss (MD = -30.49 mL; 95% CI -53.01 to -7.97), postoperative drainage volume (MD = -12.90 mL; 95% CI -22.83 to -2.98) and postoperative pain (MD = -0.87; 95% CI -1.27 to -0.46) in patients underwent TT with HS. Regarding HF group, a significant reduction of operative time (MD = -25.99 min., 95% CI -34.56 to -17.41), length of hospital stay (MD = -0.57; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.17), transient hypocalcemia (OR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.81) and postoperative pain (MD = -1.33 days; 95% CI -2.49 to -0.17) resulted. CONCLUSIONS HS TT can be a safe, useful and fast alternative to conventional TT. The newer HF can reduce the rate of hypocalcemia. Future RCTs of larger patient cohorts with more detailed data of postoperative complications, cost-effectiveness and cosmetic results, randomization procedures, intention-to-treat analyses and blinding of outcome assessors are needed to draw more meaningful conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Revelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Serafino Vanella
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Department of Public Health, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Raffaelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Celestino Pio Lombardi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Cheng H, Soleas I, Ferko NC, Clymer JW, Amaral JF. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Harmonic Focus in thyroidectomy compared to conventional techniques. Thyroid Res 2015; 8:15. [PMID: 26430471 PMCID: PMC4589949 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-015-0027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Several meta-analyses have been performed comparing the use of a variety of ultrasonic devices in thyroidectomy to conventional procedures. These studies have shown the superiority of ultrasonic devices for most outcomes studied including faster operative time and less blood loss, and equivalent or better safety for recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and hypocalcemia. The current work is the first to examine a single ultrasonic device specifically designed for thyroid surgery, the Harmonic Focus, in order to confirm its efficacy and safety in thyroidectomy. Methods A comprehensive literature search without language restrictions was performed for randomized clinical trials comparing Harmonic Focus and conventional clamp, cut and tie in thyroidectomy. Outcome measures included operating time, blood loss, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay, hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. Risk of bias was analyzed for all studies. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models with the inverse-variance method for mean differences of continuous variables and the Mantel-Haenszel method for risk ratios of dichotomous variables. Results A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Harmonic Focus reduced operative time by 29 min, a 31 % decrease (p < 0.001), intra-operative blood loss by 45 ml (p < 0.001), post-operative pain (p < 0.001), length of hospital stay by 0.68 days (p = 0.005), drainage volume by 29 ml (p = 0.01), and occurrence of transient hypocalcemia by 40 % (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between Harmonic Focus and conventional procedures in rate of persistent hypocalcemia, or rates of transient and persistent recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. Conclusion This is the first meta-analysis of Harmonic Focus in thyroid surgery. In agreement with meta-analyses previously performed on ultrasonic devices, use of the Harmonic Focus has been shown to be a more effective surgical procedure compared to conventional methods in thyroidectomy. The low occurrence of hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis confirms that Harmonic Focus can improve thyroidectomy efficiency without increasing the risk of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Cheng
- Ethicon Inc, 4545 Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242 USA
| | - Ireena Soleas
- Cornerstone Research Group, 204-3228 South Service Road, Burlington, ON L7N 3H8 Canada
| | - Nicole C Ferko
- Cornerstone Research Group, 204-3228 South Service Road, Burlington, ON L7N 3H8 Canada
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Hahn CH, Trolle W, Sørensen CH. Harmonic focus in thyroidectomy for substernal goiter. Auris Nasus Larynx 2015; 42:311-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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9
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Ahnen TV, Ahnen MV, Wirth U, Barisic A, Schardey HM, Schopf S. Comparison of an Intraoperative Application of a Haemostatic Agent (PerClot<sup>®</sup>) with Conventional Haemostatic Procedure after Thyroid Resection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ss.2015.66037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Antakia R, Edafe O, Uttley L, Balasubramanian SP. Effectiveness of preventative and other surgical measures on hypocalcemia following bilateral thyroid surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid 2015; 25:95-106. [PMID: 25203484 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of measures have been proposed to reduce the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of preventive and other surgical measures on post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia as reported in the literature. METHODS Comprehensive searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed, and the quality of included papers was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The results of all included studies were summarized, and meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. RESULTS Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 37 observational studies were included. Measures studied included hemostatic techniques, extent of thyroidectomy and central neck dissection, surgical approach, calcium/vitamin D/thiazide diuretic supplements, parathyroid gland autotransplantation (PGAT) and intraoperative parathyroid gland (PG) identification, truncal ligation of inferior thyroid artery (ITA), preoperative magnesium infusion, and use of magnification loupes and Surgicel. Measures associated with significantly lower rates of transient hypocalcemia in meta-analysis were postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to either calcium supplements alone (odds ratio (OR) 0.66; p=0.04) or no supplements (OR 0.34; p=0.007), and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (BST) compared to Hartley Dunhill (HD) procedure (OR 0.35; p=0.01). Meta-analyses did not demonstrate any measure to be significantly associated with a reduction in permanent hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION This review identified postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (over HD) as being effective in prevention of transient hypocalcemia. However, the majority of RCTs were of low quality, primarily due to a lack of blinding. The wide variability in study design, definitions of hypocalcemia, and methods of assessment prevented meaningful summation of results for permanent hypocalcemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramez Antakia
- 1 Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Contin P, Gooßen K, Grummich K, Jensen K, Schmitz-Winnenthal H, Büchler MW, Diener MK. ENERgized vessel sealing systems versus CONventional hemostasis techniques in thyroid surgery--the ENERCON systematic review and network meta-analysis. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2013; 398:1039-56. [PMID: 24240627 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-013-1137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Energized vessel-sealing systems have been proposed to save operation time and reduce post-operative complications. The aim of the present systematic review was to compare operation time and postoperative morbidity for ultrasonic and electrothermal bipolar-activated devices with conventional hemostasis techniques and with each other in open thyroidectomy. METHODS A systematic literature search (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science) was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing conventional hemostasis techniques, ultrasonic devices (Harmonic® scalpel) and/or electrothermal bipolar-activated vessel sealing systems (Ligasure®) during open thyroidectomy. For the primary endpoint (operation time), a network meta-analysis with Bayesian random effects model was performed. Pairwise meta-analyses with random effects were calculated for primary and secondary endpoints. RESULTS One hundred sixteen publications were evaluated for eligibility; 35 RCTs (4,061 patients) were included. There was considerable methodological and clinical heterogeneity of included trials. The Harmonic scalpel significantly reduced operation time compared with conventional techniques (22.26 min, 22.7 min in the inconsistency model). The use of Ligasure significantly reduced operation time in total thyroidectomy (13.84 min in the consistency model, 12.18 min in the inconsistency model). In direct comparison, operations with the Harmonic scalpel were faster than with Ligasure (8.42 min in the consistency model, 2.45 min in the inconsistency model). The rates of recurrent nerve palsy and postoperative hypocalcaemia did not significantly differ in the intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis shows superiority of ultrasonic devices in terms of operation time compared with conventional hemostasis techniques in thyroid surgery, with no detriment to safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Contin
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Garas G, Okabayashi K, Ashrafian H, Shetty K, Palazzo F, Tolley N, Darzi A, Athanasiou T, Zacharakis E. Which hemostatic device in thyroid surgery? A network meta-analysis of surgical technologies. Thyroid 2013; 23:1138-50. [PMID: 23470035 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2012.0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Energy-based hemostatic devices are increasingly being used in thyroid surgery. However, there are several limitations with regard to the existing evidence and a paucity of guidelines on the subject. The goal of this review is to employ the novel evidence synthesis technique of a network meta-analysis to assess the comparative effectiveness of surgical technologies in thyroid surgery and contribute to enhanced governance in the field of thyroid surgery. METHODS Articles published between January 2000 and June 2012 were identified from Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases. Randomized controlled trials of any size comparing the use of ultrasonic coagulation (harmonic scalpel) or Ligasure either head-to-head or against the "clamp-and-tie" technique were included. Two reviewers independently critically appraised and extracted the data from each study. The number of patients who experienced postoperative events was extracted in dichotomous format or continuous outcomes. Odds ratios were calculated by a Bayesian network meta-analysis, and metaregression was used for pair-wise comparisons. Indirect and direct comparisons were performed and inconsistency was assessed. RESULTS Thirty-five randomized controlled trials with 2856 patients were included. Ultrasonic coagulation ranked first (followed by Ligasure and then clamp-and-tie) with the lowest risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism (odds ratio 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77-2.67] and 0.70 [CI 0.43-1.13], ultrasonic coagulation vs. Ligasure and ultrasonic coagulation vs. clamp-and-tie, respectively), least blood loss (-0.25 [CI -0.84 to -0.35] and -1.22 [CI -1.85 to -0.59]), and drain output (0.28 [CI -0.35 to -0.91] and -0.36 [CI -0.70 to -0.03]). From a health technology viewpoint, ultrasonic coagulation was associated with the shortest operative time (-0.66 [CI -1.17 to -0.14] and -1.29 [CI -1.59 to -1.00]) and hospital stay (-0.28 [CI -0.78 to 0.22] and -0.56 [CI -1.28 to 0.15]). The only exception occurs with the clinically important complication of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, where the reverse trend applies (1.36 [CI 0.25-7.46] and 1.74 [CI 0.94-3.26]). CONCLUSIONS The comparative effectiveness of ultrasonic coagulation in thyroid surgery outcomes seems superior to other techniques with the exception of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. This network meta-analysis, one of a handful in a surgical field, offers preliminary and robust evidence to guide clinical decisions and policy makers to adopt safer thyroid operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Garas
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom
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