Comparison of LigaSure and the Conventional Method in Total Thyroidectomy: A Single Surgeon's Experience and Review of the Literature that LigaSure is not superior to Suture Ligation in Total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the results of the LigaSure® Precise vessel sealing system and conventional suture ligation (CSL) for total thyroidectomy in terms of complication rates, hospitalization, and surgical time. Materials and Methods: This non-randomized retrospective review included 118 consecutive patients. All patients with nodular or multinodular goiter underwent total thyroidectomy by a single surgeon. The patients were divided into two subgroups: CSL was used as the conventional method together with monopolar and bipolar cautery (group 1), and LigaSure® Precise (L) was used in group 2 as a sealing system for all surrounding tissues of the thyroid gland. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the two techniques with respect to age, sex, surgical time, hospitalization, and postoperative complications (p>0.05). Conclusion: Sutureless thyroid operations with Ligasure can be safely performed without the presence of higher complication risks but does not reduce surgical time or hospitalization.