Randomized clinical trial of LigaSure versus conventional suture ligation in thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND: In thyroid surgery vessel division and haemostasis make up an important and time consuming part of the operation. While the presence of the recurrent laryngeal nerve limits the liberal use of diathermia, the many arterial and venous branches to and from the thyroid gland necessitates the use of numerous conventional suture ligatures.This study evaluates the effect of using a vessel sealing system on operation time during thyroid surgery. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was performed between September 2005 and October 2008 in a teaching hospital. Forty patients undergoing total hemithyroidectomy participated in the trial. Twenty were randomized to the intraoperative use of the LigaSure Precise™ vessel sealing system, and twenty to the use of conventional suture ligatures. RESULTS: The total median operation time was 10 minutes shorter in the LigaSure group (56 versus 66 minutes, P = 0.001). No significant differences in complications were noticed. CONCLUSION: Using an electrothermal vessel sealing system during thyroid surgery is time saving. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the international standard randomized controlled trials number register (ISRCTNR) under number ISRCTNR82389535.