Complications in thyroid surgery. Harmonic Scalpel, Harmonic Focus versus Conventional Hemostasis: A meta-analysis

A Comparison of Harmonic Scalpel and Conventional Techniques for Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgeries. Conventional techniques using electrocautery carry the risk of tissue injury. Recently, there has been increased use of harmonic scalpels in thyroid surgery. The harmonic scalpel utilizes ultrasonic shears for cutting and coagulation, thus minimizing thermal injury. The objective of our study was to determine differences in operative duration, hypocalcemia, and RLN palsy. This single-center retrospective comparative study included consecutive patients undergoing hemithyroidectomies using the harmonic scalpel and conventional technique in the past one year (n = 64, harmonic group = 28 and conventional group = 36). The mean operative duration for the harmonic scalpel group was 70.4 min, vs. 81.31 min for the conventional technique group, and the difference in mean duration was found to be 10.84 min (p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of hypocalcemia (p = 0.751) or RLN palsy (p = 0.121). None of the patients in either group developed permanent hypocalcemia or RLN palsy. The use of a harmonic scalpel during thyroidectomy is safe. The overall surgical duration was reduced when the harmonic scalpel was used, and the complication rates were comparable to those of the conventional technique, making it a non-inferior technique for surgical intervention in thyroidectomy and warranting harmonic scalpel consideration as a valuable addition to the armamentarium of thyroid surgeons.

A Comprehensive Management of Neck Hematoma in Post-Thyroidectomy Patient for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Case Report

A post-thyroidectomy hematoma is a rare, potentially fatal surgical complication that may present as hoarseness, dysphagia, and difficulty in breathing, which could progress to complete airway obstruction and, ultimately, death. The treatment for a neck hematoma is emergent surgical drainage. While certain precautions can be taken to prevent this complication, such as the cessation of any anticoagulants prior to surgery, it is still a feared complication of thyroidectomy with an increasing prevalence. In this paper, we discuss a case of a 62-year-old female with papillary thyroid cancer who presents with a postoperative complication of a neck hematoma requiring emergent surgery and conduct a literature review on managing post-thyroidectomy hematomas.

An umbrella review of the surgical performance of Harmonic ultrasonic devices and impact on patient outcomes

BACKGROUND

For thirty years, the Harmonic scalpel has been used for precise dissection, sealing and transection. There are numerous meta-analyses on individual surgical procedures with Harmonic, but no overarching review covering all the areas. This umbrella review seeks to summarize the clinical results from the use of Harmonic across surgical fields and broadly quantify its effects on patient outcomes.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases were searched for meta-analyses (MAs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Harmonic devices to conventional techniques or advanced bipolar (ABP) devices. For each procedure type, the most comprehensive MAs were evaluated. RCTs not already analysed in a MA were also included. Operating time, length of stay, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume, pain, and overall complications were evaluated, and the methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four systematic literature reviews were identified on colectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, gastrectomy, mastectomy, flap harvesting, cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, tonsillectomy, and neck dissection. There were also 83 RCTs included. In every MA evaluated, Harmonic devices were associated with either statistically significant or numerical improvements in every outcome compared with conventional techniques; most MAs reported a reduction in operating time of ≥ 25 min. Harmonic versus ABP device MAs in colectomy and thyroidectomy showed no significant differences in outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Across surgical procedures, Harmonic devices demonstrated improved patient outcomes for operating time, length of stay, intraoperative bleeding, drainage volume, pain, and overall complications compared to conventional techniques. Additional studies are required to assess differences between Harmonic and ABP devices.

Preservation of parathyroid glands during thyroid and neck surgery

The parathyroid glands are situated in close proximity to the thyroid gland. They have an important endocrine function maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body by the secretion of parathormone (PTH), which is responsible for this function. The parathyroid glands are commonly damaged during thyroid surgeries. This could lead to transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism in 30% of cases. Preservation of the parathyroid glands, is an important and integral part of thyroidectomy and other surgical interventions in the neck. The main principle underlying this is a thorough understanding of parathyroid anatomy in relation to the thyroid gland and other important structures in the area. There can also be significant variation in the anatomical location of the glands. Various techniques and methods have been described for parathyroid preservation. They include intraoperative identification utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence, carbon nanoparticles, loupes, and microscopes. The techniques of surgery (meticulous capsular dissection), expertise, central compartment neck dissection, preoperative vitamin D deficiency, extent and type of thyroidectomy are the risk factors associated with damaged thyroids, inadvertent parathyroidectomy and subsequent hypoparathyroidism. Parathyroid Autotransplantation is a treatment option for inadvertent parathyroidectomy. Ultimately, the best way to assure normal parathyroid function is to preserve them in situ intraoperatively undamaged.

Ambulatory thyroidectomy. Recommendations of the Association francophone de chirurgie endocrinienne (AFCE), with the Société française d'endocrinologie (SFE) and the Société française de médecine nucléaire (SFMN)

Before ambulatory thyroidectomy is proposed, the patient and his family and/or friends will need to be informed by the surgeon of the specificity of this procedure, the normal postoperative effects of a thyroidectomy, and potential complications. Also known as outpatient thyroid surgery, it can only be proposed by an experienced surgeon supported by an adequately trained medical and paramedical team. The healthcare establishment must be in possession of all the resources needed in ambulatory management, with continuity of care guaranteed 24h/24 7d/7 in the event of possible emergency rehospitalization. In all cases, contact the day after the operation between the healthcare facility and the patient is imperative. Ambulatory management can be proposed for lobo-isthmectomy or isthmectomy, possibly involving lymph node dissection. It is also possible for secondary totalization of thyroidectomy (following lobectomy). On the other hand, indications for single-stage total thyroidectomy must be limited and ensure proximity between the patient's home and a healthcare structure with a platform adapted to the pathology necessitating surgical intervention (non-plunging euthyroid goiter). A precise clinical pathway must be set out, including pre-, peri- and postoperative protocols having been formalized for surgery (hemostasis procedures) and for anesthesia (prevention of pain, of vomiting and of hypertension). We recommend at least 6hours of postoperative surveillance in outpatient care. When outpatient treatment is not possible or not recommended, hospitalization stay after thyroidectomy can be limited to 24hours, except in the event of postoperative complications, or a need for effectively dosed anticoagulant treatment.

Novel application of microdissection tungsten needle in total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background

Energy-based devices (EBD) have been popularized in thyroidectomy worldwide. Microdissection tungsten needle (MDTN) is characterized by the ultra-sharp tip providing safe and meticulous dissection with effective hemostasis. However, little study has applied MDTN in thyroidectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study compared clinical data of the patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) with central neck dissection (CND) using MDTN, harmonic scalpel (HS), and conventional electrocautery (CE). We assessed outcomes related to surgical efficacy and safety. The injury degree of tissue was assessed by biochemical indicators and early-stage inflammatory factors in the drainage fluid. Histological sections of the thyroid specimens were evaluated to compare levels of thermal damage by the three EBD.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the intraoperative blood loss, operation time and 24-hour drainage volume in the MDTN group compared to the CE group. The total drainage volume, duration of drainage, and average length of stay of the MDTN group were less compared to the CE group though they did not reach statistical significance. No disparity was observed between the MDTN group and HS group in these variables. Total costs were not significantly different among these groups. The incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury was the lowest using MDTN compared to the CE (P = 0.034) and HS (not significant). No statistical differences were observed among these groups regarding postoperative wound pain and infection, hypoparathyroidism, and postoperative hemorrhage. Analysis of biochemical indicators showed a lower level of hemoglobin in the MDTN and HS group than the CE group (P = 0.046 and 0.038, respectively) and less triglyceride in the HS group than the MDTN and CE group (P = 0.002 and 0.029, respectively) but no significant difference in cholesterol level in these groups. Early-stage inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6 showed significantly higher concentration in the CE group than the MDTN and HS group. Histological sections of thyroid specimens revealed that MDTN caused the lowest degree of thermal damage followed by HS then CE.

Conclusion

MDTN exhibited comparable surgical efficacy and safety outcomes as HS in thyroidectomy. Therefore, MDTN is a safe and viable alternative for hemostasis in thyroidectomy.

The Use of Harmonic Focus and Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw in Thyroid Surgery: Experience of a High-Volume Center

Background: In thyroid surgery, achieving accurate haemostasis is fundamental in order to avoid the occurrence of complications. Energy-based devices are currently extensively utilized in this field of surgery. This study aims to compare Harmonic Focus and Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw with regard to surgical outcomes and complications. Methods: Patients submitted to total thyroidectomy in our center, between January 2017 and June 2020, were retrospectively analysed. Based on the energy-based device utilized, two groups were identified: Group A (Harmonic Focus) and Group B (Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw). Results: A total of 527 patients were included: 409 in Group A and 118 in Group B. About surgical outcomes, the mean operative time was significantly shorter in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.001), while as regards complications, the occurrence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was significantly greater in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.019). Conclusions. Both Harmonic Focus and Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw have proven to be effective devices. Operative times were significantly shorter in thyroidectomies performed with Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw; however, the occurrence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was significantly greater in patients operated on with this device.

Predicting risk factors of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: is safe discharge without supplementation possible? A large cohort study

PURPOSE

With increasing economic pressures to shorten the length of hospital stay, there has been much recent interest in studying risk factors for the development of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum calcium and/or PTH levels can predict post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism.

METHODS

From January to December 2014, 477 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included. Corrected calcemia and PTH were systematically performed on postoperative day 1/(POD1). Symptomatic patients were treated on POD1 or POD2 with calcium and vitamin D.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients (14.25%) were treated for postoperative hypocalcemia. No patients with calcemia ≥ 2.16 mmol/l and PTH ≥ 1.9 pmol/l were supplemented and therefore were safely discharged on POD1 (specificity = 100%). All patients with calcemia ≤ 1.89 mmol/l were treated regardless the PTH values (n = 10) (specificity = 100%). For calcium value between 1.9 and 2.16 mmol/l with a PTH > 4.7 pmol/l, nobody was treated. With a calcemia between 1.9 and 2.16 mmol/l and a PTH > 1.9 pmol/l, 44 patients did not develop any symptom. ROC curve analysis showed that combination of Cac = 2.16 mmol/l and iPTH = 4.7 pmol/l provided a sensitivity of 97.06% and a specificity of 76.53% (p < 0.0001). We therefore propose an algorithm that would allow to 70% of patients could have been discharged on POD1 without risk of hypocalcemia or overtreatment.

CONCLUSION

Combination of corrected calcemia and PTH on POD1 can efficiently predict hypocalcemia and be integrated into clinical practice for personalizing lengths of hospitalization and appropriate treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov PRS. Unique Identifying number or registration ID: NCT04372225.

Evaluation of ultrasonic axillary dissection in preservation of intercostobrachial nerve and lymphatic sealing in breast cancer patients: Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Electrocautery has been shown to be associated with excessive serous drainage which may lead to many complications in patients with breast cancer needing dissection of the axillary lymph nodes. The Harmonic Focus could outperform electrocautery in dissection of axillary lymph nodes, resulting in shortening of the operative times and minimize postoperative complications. This study aims to compare the mean axillary drain production and the axillary numbness frequency in axillary lymph node dissection (ANLD) during Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) and breast conservative surgery (BCS) between the use of harmonics scalpel and electrocautery.

METHODS

This study includes 40 patients presented with early breast cancer (T1 and T2) underwent BCS or MRM in general surgery department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospital during the period from January 2017 to September 2019. The patients randomly assigned into 2 groups; group A: subjected to ANLD using Harmonic Focus tool and group B: subjected to ANLD using electrocautery. Operative time, total drainage volume, blood loss, duration of the drain and frequency of axillary numbness were recorded.

RESULTS

This study shows that using Harmonic in axillary dissection considerably reduced operating time, total drainage volume, blood loss, days of hospital stays and reduced axillary numbness level in comparison to conventional electrocautery.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the normal electrocautery, the harmonic focus dissection has major advantages in lowering postoperative drainage, blood loss intra-operative and lower incidence of axillary numbness in breast cancer axillary dissection, without affecting operating time.

Effects of Microwave Ablation on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Five-Year Follow-Up Report

Background: Some researchers have achieved favorable efficacy in the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) using microwave ablation (MWA). However, as PTMC is a slowly progressing disease, a long follow-up period is required to confirm treatment efficacy. Our study aim was to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided MWA in PTMC. Methods: In this study, 41 patients with thyroid masses (41 nodules) were diagnosed with PTMC by fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy. They underwent US-guided MWA. Preablation ultrasonic images of the thyroid nodules were collected, and the volumes were measured. The patients had follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in the first year and every 6 months from the second year on, after MWA. The volume reduction rates (VRRs) of the thyroid nodules were analyzed. Results: In total, 40 of 41 nodules were completely ablated by MWA. After 60 months of follow-up, the volume significantly decreased from a median of 55.78 mm³ (quartile: 21.50, 112.20 mm³) to 0 mm³ (0, 0 mm³) (p < 0.001), with a VRR of 99.37% ± 4.02%. Two patients developed hoarseness after ablation; one recovered within 10 minutes, and the hoarseness in the other patient resolved 2 months after the ablation. No recurrence, metastatic cervical lymph nodes, or distal metastasis was found during the follow-up period. Conclusions: In this five-year follow-up, MWA presented favorable efficacy with satisfactory safety for the treatment of PTMC. It should be considered an alternative therapy to surgery and active surveillance for solitary PTMC.

Thyroidectomy with energy-based devices: surgical outcomes and complications-comparison between Harmonic Focus, LigaSure Small Jaw and Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw

Background

Being the thyroid gland a highly vascularized organ, achieving a meticulous hemostasis is essential to avoid serious complications. Currently, energy-based devices are widely used in thyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to compare Harmonic Focus (HF), LigaSure Small Jaw (LSJ) and Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw (TB) in terms of surgical outcomes and complications.

Methods

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in our Unit between January 2012 and June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the type of energy-device used, patients were divided into three groups: Group A (HF), Group B (LSJ) and Group C (TB).

Results

A total of 1,165 patients were included in this study: 1,012 in Group A, 96 in Group B and 57 in Group C. Demographic data and histopathological findings were comparable between the three groups. About the postoperative stay and complications, no statistically significant difference was found. The mean operative time was 89.41±20.60 minutes in Group A, 85.57±15.91 minutes in Group B and 78.07±17.67 minutes in Group C (P<0.01). However, the post-hoc test for all pairwise comparisons showed a statistically significant difference only between Group A and Group C.

Conclusions

HF, LSJ and TB have proved to be safe and effective. The postoperative stay and complications were comparable between the three groups. Considering the limits of our investigation, further studies are needed to investigate the effect of TB on operative times.

Ultrasonic scalpel with knot tying protects parathyroid function for total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection

Background

Hypoparathyroidism might be due to collateral thermal injury induced by harmonic scalpel (HS) after total thyroidectomy (TT) with central neck dissection (CND). The current study aimed to evaluate whether a clamp and tie (CAT) technique used to preserve parathyroid glands in situ could reduce damage to parathyroid function in HS patients undergoing TT plus unilateral or bilateral CND.

Methods

Medical records of 537 HS-operated patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) undergoing TT plus unilateral or bilateral CND were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into HS and HS-CAT groups based on whether the CAT techniques were used near parathyroid glands. Patients' characteristics such as age, sex, tumour size, operative time, pre- and post-operative levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and complications were analysed.

Results

For patients undergoing TT plus unilateral CND, operative time was significantly shorter (P<0.001), but there were significantly higher incidences of transient hypoparathyroidism (P=0.002) on postoperative day 1 and incidental parathyroidectomy (P=0.036) in the HS group. There was no significant difference in permanent hypoparathyroidism. For patients undergoing TT plus bilateral CND, a significantly shorter operative time and sharper postoperative PTH decline was found in the HS group (P=0.029). However, there were no significant differences regarding incidences of incidental parathyroidectomy, transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusions

The CAT technique applied near parathyroid glands was a practical surgical application for decreasing the incidence of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism for TT plus unilateral CND.

Energy-based devices in thyroid surgery-an overview

In the mid-20^th century Theodor Kocher standardized the conventional clamp-and-tie thyroidectomy, and a procedure that was banned or prohibited for so long was labeled as "extremely safe and efficient". Ever since, innovations and refinements in the field of thyroid surgery have focused on improving patient clinical outcome profiles, and offering patients procedures that are tailored to their concerns and desires without compromising the concepts of safety and efficacy. This led to a paradigm shift in thyroid surgery and the introduction of minimal access thyroid procedures. Unsurprisingly, this paralleled the constant technological evolution in surgical devices. Advanced energy-based devices were introduced into thyroid surgery more than a decade ago. Initially, their introduction was surrounded by sckepticism, and was considered a double-edged sword equally giving accolade and criticism. Ultimately, they have proved to be very useful in thyroid surgery, and pivotal to its evolution. In experienced hands, thyroid surgery performed using an advanced energy-based device is considered 'at least' as safe and effective as its conventional clamp-and-tie counterpart. Furthermore, it offers additional advantages that meet the best interest of the patient, surgeon, health care facility, and the society. This article provides an overview on the introduction of innovative technology into thyroid surgery.

Comparing Hematoma Incidence between Hemostatic Devices in Total Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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.

The impact of the ultrasonic, bipolar and integrated energy devices in the adrenal gland surgery: literature review and our experience

BACKGROUND

The gold standard approach for surgical treatment of benign and malignant adrenal lesion is considered the laparoscopic one, due to a lot of advantages compared to open approach. The rapid propagation of this surgical technique is due to the diffusion of haemostatic devices in laparoscopic adrenal surgery. The principal aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of LA using each energy modality, evaluating the eventual superiority of an instrument over the others.

METHODS

A retrospective study, involving 75 consecutive patients submitted to LA by transperitoneal lateral approach from January 2013 to June 2017, was performed. Age less than 70 years old, adrenal adenomas less than 8 cm in diameter, incidentalomas < 6 cm, myelolipomas < 13 cm, adrenal metastases < 7 cm and ASA score ≤ III were the main surgical inclusion criteria. All involved patients were divided into three group, one for each energy device: group 1 - Harmonic Scalpel, group 2 - Ligasure vessel sealing system and group 3 - Thunderbeat. In each group only one device was applied for dissection and haemostasis during the whole operation. Each group consisted of 25 patients, well matched for histology, tumor size and site, gender and age. The following parameters were collected: age, gender, size of the tumor, side of the affected gland, pathology, operating time, intraoperative blood losses, hospitalization time, complication and conversion rate.

RESULTS

There was no significant statistical difference between groups regarding the relationship between male/female, right site/left site, the mean age, hospitalization time and the tumor size (p > 0.05). Significant statistical difference are detectable in operation time and intraoperative blood losses. Thunderbeat, compared respectively with Ligasure and Harmonic Scalpel, is the fastest device (p < 0,001). The second faster device resulted Harmonic Scalpel, which meanly reduced the operation time compared to Ligasure (p = 0.048). intraoperative blood losses are reduced using Thunderbeat (p < 0,001) and HS (p = 0.006) compared to Ligasure, but between Thunderbeat and Harmonic Scalpel there isn't significant statistical difference (p = 0.178).

CONCLUSIONS

Analyzing the results, laparoscopic adrenalectomy carried out using Thunderbeat appeared to show a statistically significant decrease in operation time and intraoperative blood losses compared with laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed using Harmonic Scalpel and Ligasure, while hospitalization time was superimposable in all groups. According to our data, a responsible use of advanced energy devices can improve surgical outcomes guarantying a cost savings and patient's satisfaction.

The harmonic scalpel versus electrocautery for parotidectomy: A meta - analysis

OBJECTIVE

Parotidectomy is the most classic and unequivocal intervention for parotid neoplasm. The operative outcomes and postoperative complications of parotidectomy between harmonic scalpel and electrocautery gained more prominence in physician. In spite of much research work within the past years, there was an obvious lack of randomized controlled trial to resolve this question. Hence, a quantitative and qualitative meta-analysis was essential to evaluate the differences in these two types of hemostasis method.

METHOD

The major electronic databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese Scientific and Technological Journal databases were using the key words "electrocautery", "electrocoagulation", "harmonic scalpel", "ultrasonic scalpel", "ultrasonic dissector", "parotidectomy" and "parotid surgery". 9 articles were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, salivary fistula and transient facial nerve paralysis were the outcome measures. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

In our meta-analysis, there was a significant reduction in operation time [mean difference: -20.97; 95%CI=(-24.02,-17.92); P < 0.00001], intraoperative blood loss [mean difference: -20.75, 95%CI=(-22.32,-19.18); P < 0.00001], hospital stay [mean difference: -0.83; 95%CI=(-1.10,-0.57); P < 0.00001], salivary fistula [ORs: 0.30, 95%CI=(0.08,1.14)] and transient facial nerve paralysis [OR:0.33, 95%CI=(0.19,0.58),P = 0.0001] in harmonic scalpel group compared with electrocautery group.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that compared with electrocautery, harmonic scalpel (HS)was transcendent in the aspects of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, salivary fistula and transient facial nerve paralysis. The harmonic scalpel, as an efficient and useful instrument, was advocated in parotidectomy.

Procedure costs associated with the use of Harmonic devices compared to conventional techniques in various surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

As compared to conventional techniques, recent meta-analyses have reported cost savings with Harmonic devices; however, only in thyroidectomy. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the costs associated with Harmonic devices versus conventional techniques across a range of surgical procedures.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to October 01, 2016 without language restrictions to identify randomized controlled trials comparing Harmonic devices to conventional techniques and reporting procedure costs (operating time plus operating equipment/consumables/device costs). Costs were pooled using the ratio of geometric means, and a random effects model was applied. Sensitivity analyses varying statistical methods, number of included studies, and cost outcomes were completed to test the robustness of the results.

Results

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 561 and 540 participants had procedures performed with Harmonic devices and conventional methods, respectively, with procedures including gastrectomy, thyroidectomy, colectomy, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, and pancreaticoduodenectomy. As compared to conventional methods, Harmonic devices reduced total procedure costs by 8.7% (p=0.029), resulting in an absolute reduction of US$227.77 from mean conventional technique costs, derived primarily from a reduction in operating time costs. When operating time costs, excluding operating equipment/consumables/device costs, were analyzed, costs were reduced by $544 per procedure with the use of Harmonic devices. The results from all sensitivity analyses demonstrated cost reductions with Harmonic devices.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that despite a higher device cost, Harmonic devices provide a statistically significant reduction in procedure costs, derived primarily from a reduction in operating time costs, across surgical procedures. In addition to functionality benefits, Harmonic devices may represent a potentially cost saving method to reduce overall hospital resource use. Future research should focus on potential costs and benefits from use of Harmonic devices in procedures not covered here.

Update on sutureless thyroidectomy

INTRODUCTION

The Harmonic scalpel ("Focus" and the new version "Focus+") is one of the first devices for surgical simultaneous cutting and tissue coagulation which allows to obtain dissection and hemostasis by direct application of ultrasound and allows minimally invasive surgical procedures with minimal lateral thermal spread and, thus, minimal adjacent tissue destruction. The aim of the study is to complete the previous study that we made in 2014, based on the TT performed between January 2008 and December 2013, with new data about TT performed in our Surgical Division between January 2014 and December 2016 and compare the outcome using the Ultrasonic scalpel versus the device Ligasure in term of safety, operative time, overall drainage volume, complications, hospital stay.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

250 patients were randomized into two groups: Group A where Ultracision were used and Group B where the Ligasure device was used.

RESULTS

The results of the group A and of the Group B 2014-2016 have been compared with the results of the previous study and we found that they are similar, but asymptomatic hypocalcaemia increased in the patients of the new study.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the use of Ultrasonic scalpel and Ligasure is effective both in the hemostasis of all vessels and in dissection of tissues and confirm the results of our first study without significant difference in the rate of post-operative morbidity with these two different energy based devices used.

Performance of Harmonic devices in surgical oncology: an umbrella review of the evidence

Background

We performed an umbrella review of systematic reviews summarizing the evidence on the Harmonic scalpel (HS) compared with conventional techniques in surgical oncology (including lymph node dissection).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to end of March of 2017 for meta-analyses or systematic reviews of randomized trials comparing HS to conventional techniques in surgical oncology. We assessed the quality of included systematic reviews with AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) and assessed the certainty in evidence for each pooled outcome using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Results

We identified ten systematic reviews on breast cancer (n = 3), gastric cancers (n = 3), oral, head, and neck cancers (n = 1), and colon cancers (n = 3). Most reviews received a higher rating using AMSTAR. For operative time, systematic reviews reported a reduction of 25 to 29 min for HS compared with conventional methods across oncology types, with the exception of breast cancer where little differences were observed (very low to moderate quality of evidence (GRADE)). For blood loss and drainage volume, the majority of reviews reported statistically significant reductions with HS, and reductions ranged from 42 to 141 mL, and from 42 to 292 mL, respectively (very low to moderate quality of evidence). Hospitalization days were reported to decrease with use of HS by 0.2 to 3.2 days; however, reductions were only statistically significant for half of the included reviews (low to moderate quality of evidence). Regarding perioperative complications, two of six reviews reported a significantly reduced risk with HS use (breast cancer surgery) (moderate to high quality evidence)).

Conclusion

Across surgical oncology types, the majority of included systematic reviews showed a statistically significant or numerical improvement in surgical outcomes with use of the HS compared with conventional methods. Well-designed randomized studies with large sample sizes will help to provide more precise estimates and reduce the risk of heterogeneity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-017-1298-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Feasibility and safety of nerve stimulator attachment to energy-based devices: A porcine model study

BACKGROUND

Recently, several energy-based devices (EBDs) have been developed and applied in the context of thyroid surgery. EBDs can reduce operation time, blood loss, and postoperative pain. Compared to conventional electrocautery, EBDs operate at a relatively lower temperature and produce minimal lateral tissue damage. Yet, during device operation, the tip of the EBD is hot enough to cause thermal nerve damage, increasing the need for surgeons to be cautious about EBD application. To increase the safety of EBDs, we attached nerve stimulators to the tips of two EBDs and compared them to conventional monopolar nerve stimulation using a porcine model.

METHODS

Three piglets (30-40 kg) underwent total thyroidectomy after orotracheal intubation with a nerve integrity monitor (NIM) electromyography (EMG) endotracheal tube. Nerve stimulators were attached to two EBDs (Harmonic Focus^®+ and LigaSure™). After dissection and identification of six recurrent laryngeal nerves in the three piglets, both of the EBDs with attached nerve stimulators and a conventional monopolar nerve stimulator were applied near the nerve and EMG parameters were recorded using the NIM 3.0 system. The stimulus intensity was varied from 5 mA to 1 mA and the maximum distance and amplitude at which nerve detection was achieved were measured.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the maximum distance or mean amplitude obtained from nerve stimulators attached to EBDs and those obtained from the conventional nerve stimulator. Additionally, there were no adverse EMG events related to the use of nerve stimulators attached to EBDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Attachment of a nerve stimulator to an EBD for nerve detection during thyroidectomy was as safe and effective as attachment of a conventional nerve stimulator. Use of a nerve stimulator attachment may reduce the likelihood of EBD-associated nerve damage during thyroid surgery.

Is Outpatient Thyroid Surgery for Everyone?

Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure. Traditionally, surgeons have performed thyroidectomy on an inpatient basis. However, consistent with current trends in surgery, some practices are transitioning thyroidectomy to an outpatient setting. Although concerns for hypocalcemia and postoperative bleeding exist regardless of surgeon experience, multiple studies demonstrate that outpatient thyroidectomy is safe in the hands of high-volume surgeons. Indeed, experienced thyroid surgeons who perform thyroidectomy in an outpatient setting experience excellent patient outcomes and reduced costs. However, outpatient thyroidectomy may not be suitable for all surgeons, hospitals, or patients. When evaluating whether to implement an outpatient thyroid program, a practice should consider a number of important factors including the team performing the procedure, the hospital, and the patient. With the appropriate staff education and experience, hospital setting, and patient selection, practices in a multitude of settings can successfully develop a safe, cost-effective outpatient thyroid program.

Is the superior laryngeal nerve really safe when using harmonic focus in total thyroidectomy? A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Harmonic focus (HF) was introduced in thyroid surgery in an effort to reduce operation time and complications.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to compare function of superior laryngeal nerve and incidence of other postoperative complications in total thyroidectomies using HF and conventional ligation (CL).

METHODS

The trial is a randomized single-center, single-blinded study. Patients aged ≥ 18 years scheduled for total thyroidectomy were considered for participation. An ultrasonic dissector was used for coagulation and cutting in the HF group, while the standard technique was used in the CL group. Demographic, surgical data, and complications were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows.

RESULTS

Of 244 eligible patients, data of 206 patients who completed the study were analyzed. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and indication for operation. The mean operative time in the HF group was significantly shorter than that in CL group (p=0.01). Drain necessity, duration of drainage, duration of postoperative hospitalization, and the incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the groups (p>0.05). The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were noted in three and two patients in the HF group and in two and one patients in the CL group at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing conventional technique with HF in total thyroidectomy, focusing on the function of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve using laryngostroboscopy; results showed that HF is as safe as the conventional technique.

Thyroid surgery with a harmonic scalpel: an experimental study

BACKGROUND

The goal of the study was to determinate the safety of the harmonic scalpel, widely used in thyroidectomy, near the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN).

METHODS

The study involved ten pigs of either sex. Twenty RLNs at risk were dissected using the new harmonic scalpel FOCUS. The distances between the nerve and the activated instrument were checked with a millimeter ruler. After dissection, the pigs were euthanized, and both RLNs were fixed in formol and examined by histology after staining with hematoxylin-eosin. Due to technical reasons, only 18 RLNs from the ten pigs could be examined.

RESULTS

In the experiment that investigated the extent of heat injury, ultrasonic dissection did not cause any immediate damage of the nerve even close to the RLN (1 mm away from the RLN).

CONCLUSION

The use of harmonic scalpel FOCUS for thyroid surgery is safe for the surrounding structures (nerves). Careful tissue applications of the device near the RLN (1 mm) did not cause any lesion histologically.