Thermal sealing systems with and without tissue divider for total thyroidectomy

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the US.

METHODS

The medical literature from 1/1/1985 to 11/9/2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content.

RESULTS

These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches to Thyroidectomy, Laryngology, Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

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.

Risk factors for post-thyroidectomy haematoma

Background:

There has been increasing emphasis on performing ‘same-day’ or ‘out-patient’ thyroidectomy to reduce associated costs. However, acceptance has been limited by the risk of potentially life-threatening post-operative bleeding. This study aimed to review current rates of post-operative bleeding in a metropolitan teaching hospital and identify risk factors.

Method:

Medical records of patients undergoing thyroidectomy between January 2007 and March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Pre-operative, operative and pathological data, and post-operative complication data, were examined.

Results:

The study comprised 205 thyroidectomy cases. Mean age was 51.6 years (standard deviation = 14.74), with 80 per cent females. Unilateral thyroidectomy was performed in 81 cases (39.5 per cent) and total thyroidectomy was performed in 74 cases (36.1 per cent; 5.3 per cent with concomitant lymph node dissection). Nine patients (4.4 per cent) suffered post-operative bleeding, of which six required re-operation. Analysis showed that post-operative systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or greater was associated with post-operative bleeding (p = 0.003, chi-square test).

Conclusion:

Rates of significant post-operative bleeding are consistent with recent literature. Post-operative hypertension, diabetes and high post-operative drain output were identified as independent risk factors on multivariate analysis; when identified, these may be caveats to same-day discharge of thyroidectomy patients.

The Covidien LigaSure Maryland Jaw Device

Since its invention nearly 20 years ago, the Covidien LigaSure device along with its ForceTriad generator has dominated the Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealing market. The LigaSure was used for surgical procedures, both open and laparoscopic. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence of the safety and utility of the LigaSure device compared to more traditional means of hemostasis and its ultrasonic competitor, particularly in laparoscopic applications. We will provide evidence related to electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing in general and look specifically at Covidien's newest product, the LigaSure Maryland Jaw Device.