The use of the Ligasure for hemostasis during thyroid lobectomy.

Background: The Ligasure electrothermal vessel sealer (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) has been introduced as a new method for hemostasis during thyroidectomy. We hypothesized that the use of Ligasure would potentially reduce operative time during thyroid surgery.

Methods: From 2001 to 2005, 150 patients had a thyroid lobectomy by a single surgeon. Data from these patients were prospectively collected in a database and retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Of the 150 patients, 51 underwent thyroid lobectomy with the use of the Ligasure and 99 patients underwent conventional ligation of vessels. There were no differences between groups with regard to demographic factors, thyroid gland pathology, or complications. Operative time was significantly shortened by 40 minutes in patients who had surgery with the Ligasure.

Conclusion: In patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy, the use of the Ligasure decreases operating room time and is associated with no increase in complications. Thus, we advocate the routine use of this technology during thyroid surgery.