Association of the Use of Harmonic Scalpel in Thyroidectomy with Parathyroid Gland Conservation

Objective To investigate whether the use of harmonic scalpel in total and subtotal thyroidectomy was beneficial for parathyroid gland conservation or not.Methods 147 patients underwent total or subtotal thyroidectomy with harmonic scalpel or conventional hemostasis,the incidences of hypoparathyroidism after operations were compared between two groups.Results In 84 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with harmonic scalpel,8 cases presented as transient hypoparathyroidism after operations.In 63 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with conventional hemostasis,15 cases presented as transient hypoparathyroidism while 2 ones presented as eternal hypoparathyroidism after operations.Conclusion The use of harmonic scalpel in total and subtotal thyroidectomy was beneficial for protection on parathyroid gland and its artery supplies.It was useful to prevent hypoparathyroidism after surgery.