Energy Devices in Thyroidectomy: A Safe and Effective Alternative to Conventional Methods

Abstract

Objective: The most feared complications of thyroid surgery, which is one of the most performed operations of endocrine surgery, are hoarseness due to recurrent nerve damage and hematoma formation in the neck. With the advancement of technology, the use of energy devices has increased during thyroid operations. However, there are different opinions about using energy devices during thyroid operations. Our study aimed to examine the reliability of energy use in thyroid operations. Material and Methods: The data of 144 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for various reasons were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups, those who used energy devices during the operation and those who were operated with the conventional method. Demographic data of the patients, duration of operation, complication rates were evaluated comparatively. Result: The majority of patients were women. It was observed that the operation time was shorter, and the amount of bleeding was less in the group in which the energy device was used (p≤0.001). It was determined that the duration of hospital stay of the patients was significantly longer in the conventional surgery group (p≤0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of incision lengths. Likewise, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of complication development frequency. Postoperative verbal pain score was significantly higher in the group operated on by conventional method (p≤0.001). Conclusion: Energy devices can be used safely in thyroid surgery with less hospital stay, less postoperative pain levels, better bleeding control and complication rates similar to conventional surgery.