Total thyroidectomy with ultrasonic scalpel: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The ultrasonic scalpel is a recently introduced device in head and neck surgery. Total thyroidectomy is the most common endocrine procedure performed by surgeons.

METHODS: This was an open, phase IV, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared the use of an ultrasonic scalpel with a conventional technique in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The outcomes were surgical complication rate, operative time, drainage volume, postoperative pain, and costs.

RESULTS: In all, 261 patients were included in 11 centers. There was a mean difference of 17% of operative time in favor of the ultrasonic scalpel group. There were no differences in postoperative complications. There was a difference in costs of 14% in favor of the ultrasonic scalpel group, but it was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of an ultrasonic scalpel was as safe as that of the conventional technique and had the advantage of a shorter operative time and lower postoperative drainage. Costs were not different between groups.