The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate if the LigaSure vessel sealing system can reduce the operation duration and the postoperative drainage amount in patients undergoing neck dissection.
We compared the differences in perioperative and postoperative variables between LigaSure Small Jaw®-assisted and conventional neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients. Patients who were scheduled to undergo neck dissection due to head and neck cancer were eligible for this study. After receiving a detailed explanation, all patients signed an informed consent form before randomization. The study group were treated using the LigaSure vessel sealing system (Small Jaw®; Covidien, Colorado, USA) for dissection and hemostasis throughout the whole procedures during neck dissection. Relevant data included tumor-related variables, perioperative parameters, postoperative drainage status, postoperative subjective pain, and analgesic consumption amount were recorded and analyzed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
41
The Small Jaw® handpiece (Small Jaw® with ForceTriad®; Covidien, Colorado, USA) was not only used as a dissection forceps but also served as a ligation device.
Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan
Opreation Duration
The duration from incision of cervial skin till the completion of lymph node dissection
Time frame: 1 day
Intraoperative Blood Loss
Intraoperative blood loss was estimated by the sum of the volume in the suction bottle and the increased weight of wet gauzes containing blood after neck dissection.
Time frame: 1 day
Postoperative Drainage Amount
The amount of drainage from closed system drainage tube
Time frame: 2 weeks
Postoperative Subjective Pain Status
Visual analogue scale of subjective pain status after operation
Time frame: 2 weeks
Postoperative Oral Analgesic Consumption
The amount of analgesic consumption via oral ingestion after operation
Time frame: 2 weeks
Postoperative Injected Analgesic Amount
The amount of injected form analgesic used (Meperidine 50 mg/ampule)
Time frame: 2 weeks
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