Original ResearchSurgical outcomes of total thyroidectomy using the LigaSure™ Small Jaw versus LigaSure Precise™: A retrospective study of 2000 consecutive patients

- The use of LigSure™ Small Jaw reduces blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay for total thyroidectomy.
- There were no significant differences in postoperative pain, haematoma or wound infection between the two devices.
- Temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rates were also similar for both devices.

BackgroundWe compared surgical outcomes of LigaSure™ Small Jaw, which is a multifunctional thermal device that incorporates a tissue divider versus LigaSure Precise™ in thyroid surgery.MethodsA retrospective, single-center study was carried out in an acute-care teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Between January 2008 and June 2015, consecutive patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Surgical outcomes were operative time, length of skin incision, use of a suction drain, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.ResultsA total of 2000 patients were included (LigaSure™ Small Jaw, n = 1000; LigaSure Precise™, n = 1000). Demographics and indication for surgery were similar in both groups. A significant and independent shorter operative time (median 40 vs. 65 min, P = 0.002), smaller length of the skin incision (mean [SD] 4 [2] vs. 7 [3] cm, P = 0.031), lower percentages of patients with suction drain (15% vs. 66%, P = 0.012) and intraoperative bleeding (4% vs. 9%, P = 0.045) and reduced length of stay (median 1 vs. 3 days, P = 0.039) were found in the LigaSure™ Small Jaw than in the LigaSure Precise™. Postoperative complications including haematoma, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were similar.ConclusionsThe LigaSure™ Small Jaw in thyroid surgery results in significant less blood loss and operative time as well as shorter hospital stay compared to LigaSure Precise™. These findings could have direct application in daily practice.