Parathyroid hormone level after total thyroidectomy using conventional versus harmonic focus technique: Prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND: Total thyroidectomy is a common procedure, we wish to examine the effects of utilizing a harmonic scalpel with traditional procedures on parathyroid hormone levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 100 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at the Department of General Surgery, were enrolled in this prospective randomized study, were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group I: total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel (HS) and Group II: total thyroidectomy using conventional technique. RESULTS: There is a significant association between the technique of surgery and the decrease in Postoperative PTH, Mean Difference, Pre and Postoperative and the change Pre PTH (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: The postoperative serum level of parathyroid hormone declined significantly after thyroidectomy if the conventional method was used. Using HS during thyroidectomy is safe and effective with low rates of hypoparathyroidism.