Sutureless harmonic scalpel reduces nerve damage in thyroid surgery

A meta-analysis of 43 randomized controlled trials involving over 10,000 patients indicates the sutureless focus harmonic scalpel (UAS) is superior to the conventional clamp-and-tie technique in total thyroidectomy. Notably, the incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was significantly lower with UAS (3.99% vs. 5.23%). Similarly, transient hypocalcemia occurred less frequently in UAS patients (11.3% vs. 15.4%). These findings suggest UAS may enhance safety and reduce complications in thyroid surgeries.