Abstract:

Objective   To explore the feasibility of harmonic focus scalpel combined with Frankfurt automatic retractor auxiliary low collar small incision in total thyroidectomy and selective neck lymphnode dissection. Methods   124 patients with thyroid cancer were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group of 62 patients with harmonic focus scalpel combined with a low collar small incision assisted with a Frankfurt automatic retractor, and the control group of 62 patients with a low collar incision. Two groups were compared by hospitalization time, tumor size, incision length, operative time, blood loss, number of operators, post-operative drainage, post-operative drainage time, pre-operative and post-operative parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, serum phosphorusvalue, the number of resected lymph nodes and post-operative complications. Results   Compared to the control group, it was statistically decreased in operative time, number of operators, incision length and blood loss in the operation in the experimental group (P＜0.05). However, other clinical indicators were not significantly different between the two groups(P＞0.05). Conclusion   Utility of Harmonic focus scalpel combined with Frankfurt automatic retractor auxiliary low collar small incision underwent total thyroidectomy and selective neck lymph node dissection is feasible, and it has the advantages of shorter operative time, smaller number of operators, less blood loss  and smaller incision.

Key words: Thyroid cancer, Frankfurt automatic retractor, Low small incision, Neck lymphnode dissection, Harmonic Focus scalpel