Advantages of a new technique of neck dissection using an ultrasonic scalpel

The aim of the study was to see whether anew technique of a neck dissection applying an ultrasonic activated (harmonic) scalpel would improve patient recovery. Material and methods: A prospective, non-randomized study was undertaken on 40 supraomohyoid neck dissections performed using a harmonic scalpel (20 pts) or electrocoagulation (20 pts). The evaluation included: operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative seroma formation and pattern of wound healing. Results: The operative time (mean +/- SD) using a harmonic scalpel was significantly shorter (52 +/- 10 min vs. 86 +/- 22 min; p <= 0.001) and the blood loss was less (13 +/- 7 ml vs. 85 +/- 58 ml; p <= 0.001), neck drainage on the first and second postoperative days were significantly smaller after using the ultrasonic scalpel (30 +/- 26 ml; 44 +/- 23 ml vs. 77 +/- 65 ml; 118 +/- 66 ml, p <= 0.001). Wound healing complications amounted to only 5% (20% in the control group). Conclusion: The use of the harmonic scalpel during neck dissection led to diminished bleeding, shorter operative time, lesser seroma formation and better wound healing in the postoperative period. (c) 2007 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.