Effect of energy-based devices on post-operative parathyroid function and blood calcium levels after total thyroidectomy

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2021 Mar 5. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1899805. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Energy-based devices are widely used in thyroid surgery in order to achieve optimal hemostasis, while their role in the incidence of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism comprises a topic evaluated in numerous studies.AREAS COVERED: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the potential benefit of Ultrasonic Shears and Electrothermal Bipolar (Radiofrequency) System in thyroid surgery regarding the incidence of post-operative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases was conducted. 49 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. A statistically decreased rate of transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism were reported in 15 studies and 4 studies respectively, when using energy-based devices. However, 18 and 13 surveys examined transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism respectively and demonstrated no statistical difference between energy-based devices and conventional hemostasis. No difference was observed between the groups concerning permanent hypocalcemia. Out of 13 studies, only 2 showed a significant reduction in the occurrence of permanent hypoparathyroidism in the energy-based device group.EXPERT OPINION: Energy-based devices reduced the rate of transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgeries in 42.8% and 23.5% of the included studies res...
Source: Expert Review of Medical Devices - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Source Type: research