Comparison of the harmonic focus and the thunderbeat for open thyroidectomy.

Purpose: An effective method for controlling haemostasis during open thyroidectomy procedures is crucial because of the high risks of haemorrhage and neck haematoma. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of the integrated ultrasonic/bipolar Thunderbeat™ for this procedure.

Methods: This retrospective non-inferiority study compared the Thunderbeat™ and the ultrasonic Harmonic Focus® devices in 761 consecutive patients receiving a partial or total open thyroidectomy (with or without neck dissection).

Initial experience with S-shaped electrode for continuous vagal nerve stimulation in thyroid surgery.

Background: In thyroid surgery, intra-operative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and vagal nerve (VN) are performed as an adjunct to the gold standard of optical visualisation of the RLN, to avoid injury of the RLN, and subsequently paralysis of the vocal cords. Intermittent RLN neuromonitoring diminished the temporary RLN palsy rate, but continuous neuromonitoring could have to potential of avoiding any damage. Since no study evaluated continuous vagal stimulation before, the objective of this study was to evaluate continuous neuromonitoring in a clinical setting, to assess its' value in predicting vocal cord injury.