Neck dissection with harmonic instruments and electrocautery: a prospective comparative study

ConclusionsIn contrast to what has been reported up to now, our study did not reveal a net advantage in the use of harmonic instruments with respect to classical instruments in terms of surgical outcome. On the contrary, harmonic tools had a higher complication rate (i.e., salivary fistula and lymphatic leak) probably due to the decreased ability of this instruments to permanently close glandular structures and lymphatic ducts. In these cases, a closure technique such as electrocautery or classic knot-tying should be used.
Source: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research