The use of Ligasure Vessel Sealing System in thyroid surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of Ligasure Vessel Sealing System (LVSS) (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) in thyroid surgery, with emphasis given to the duration of the procedure, as well as potential relevant postoperative complications. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A prospective study was conducted from November 1, 2002 to October 31, 2003, on patients undergoing thyroid surgery with the use of LVSS device as the primary means of ligation. All patients' records were placed in a database. Efficacy of hemostasis, operation time, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results were compared with previous surgical procedures done by our team when the LVSS was not available. RESULTS: LVSS proved effective in providing ligation and hemostasis during thyroid surgery in 72 consecutive patients. There was a mean reduction in operating time of 23 minutes compared with previous surgical thyroid procedures. Transient hypocalcaemia occurred in 4 subjects (5.55%); one incidence of transient paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was also observed. CONCLUSION: LVSS proved quite a reliable and safe device in thyroid surgery; it provided sufficient hemostasis and reducing operative time.