A Study of use of bipolar cautery in thyroidectomy for coagulating vascular pedicles instead of conventional ligation

Abstract

Aim: To present our experience with use of bipolar cautery in thyroid surgery. Methods and materials: The study was done between August2011- August2013. Study included all patients undergoing thyroid surgeries for various benign and malignant conditions of thyroid. This study included all age group and both gender. Vascular pedicles were cauterized using conventional bipolar cautery without knot tying. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: Out of 108 cases, 41 male (37.96%), 67female (62.04%) patients. M:F 1:1.6. 50(46.29%) cases were malignant and 58(53.70%) benign. Among carcinoma thyroid 56% are papillary, 30% follicular, 10% anaplastic and 4% medullary.52 (48.14%) cases undergone total thyroidectomy, 34(31.48%) lobectomy, 22(20.37%) total thyroidectomy with functional neck dissection. Mean operating time for lobectomy was 20min; total thyroidectomy 35min, total thyroidectomy with functional neck dissection was 90min. Postoperative complications were observed in 11(10.18%) cases. No case of severe bleeding which required re-exploration. 2 (1.85%) surgical site infections. 2(1.85%) cases of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries have occurred. Hypoparathyroidism seen in 4(3.7%) cases; 3 transient, 1 permanent due to infiltration by anaplastic carcinoma. Conclusion: Use of conventional bipolar cautery is safe, effective and time saving in thyroid surgeries.