| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3142947 | Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery | 2014 | 4 Pages |
Our purpose was to evaluate the use of the Harmonic scalpel in neck dissections.Material and methodsWe conducted a randomized prospective intervention study to compare the Harmonic scalpel (32 patients) with the conventional technique (31 patients).ResultsOperative time was lowered by 64 min (p < 0.001) and 7.5 min (p = 0.367); blood lost during surgery was lowered by 80.5 ml (p < 0.001) and 76.6 ml (p < 0.001); the length of time the drains were kept in place was lowered by 1.3 days (p < 0.001) and 1.5 days (p < 0.01); and the volume of drainage was lower by 228.7 ml (p < 0.001) and 187.6 ml (p < 0.01) in selective and comprehensive neck dissections respectively in patients treated with the Harmonic scalpel.ConclusionsThe Harmonic scalpel shortens operative time in selective dissections. It reduces blood loss during surgery; time drains are kept in place and the amount of drainage in comprehensive and selective neck dissections.
