Efficacy of the Harmonic Scalpel in Parotidectomy

Koh, Yoon Woo; Lee, Seung Won; Shin, Jae Min; Park, Jae Hong; Lee, Jong Dae; Kim, Kee Hyun; Cho, Sung Hoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of the harmonic scalpel recently has been described in various surgery, such as thyroidectomy, tonsillectomy and submandibular gland resection. It appears that the use of harmonic scalpel results in decreased operative time and blood loss compared to conventional techniques of vessel ligation and tissue division without increasing the incidence of nerve injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether the application of harmonic scalpel in parotidectomy was effective and safe compared to conventional parotidectomy techniques.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
From March 2001 through Jun 2005, 21 patients who underwent parotidectomy under aid of Harmonicscalpel were compared with 38 patients of conventional parotidectomy techniques. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, facial nerve injury, wound complication, postoperative drainage and hospital stay were compared between two groups.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between two groups with postoperative wound complication, facial nerve function and hospital stay. But the use of harmonic scalpel was associated with a significant reduction in operation time and intraoperative blood loss.
CONCLUSION
The application of harmonic scalpel was very useful and relatively safe in parotidectomy. However, further research involving a randomized study is needed.