Sutureless versus conventional thyroidectomy

Abstract

Background: The thyroid gland is a highly-vascularized organ, prompt and effective hemostasis is a crucial part of the procedure. Nowadays with the major advent of energy devices such as ultrasonic coagulation (Harmonic Scalpel, Ethicon) and bipolar energy (LigaSure, Valleylab) for cutting and hemostasis introducing new methods of vessel ligation and division without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of the use of the Harmonic® FOCUS and conventional suture ligation technique in a prospective comparative study of open total thyroidectomy.

Methods: This was prospective comparative study at Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt. Patients were divided into two groups, the first group included patients who had the Harmonic® FOCUS thyroidectomy group or Sutureless thyroidectomy (S group), and the second group included patients who received Conventional thyroidectomy group (C group).

Results: Between September 2014 and September 2016, 69 patients, with thyroid disease were enrolled in this study. 34 patients (49.3%) had a Sutureless total thyroidectomy and 35 patients (50.7%) had a conventional total thyroidectomy, the mean age for Sutureless thyroidectomy was39.85±8.47 years and for conventional group was 43.17±9.69 years. the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative, drainage volume, transient hypocalcaemia, overall postoperative complications and hospital stay were significantly lower in Sutureless thyroidectomy group. no significant difference between both group as regard recurrent laryngeal nerve function.

Conclusions: Sutureless thyroidectomy is the procedure of choice for treatment of thyroid diseases as it had shorter operative time, reduction of overall complications rate and good function results.