Hemostasis
Ligatures versus clips versus energy
Hemostasis in thyroid surgery has traditionally been achieved by a clamp and tie technique, electrocautery, or hemostatic clips. The more recent application of newer energy devices such as ultrasonic dissection and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing systems has proven to be feasible and safe, and provides significant reduction of operative time and intraoperative bleeding compared with conventional methods (9,45). They may be advantageous when contemplating outpatient thyroidectomy, although a meticulous surgical technique seeking a completely dry operative field by the end of surgery, irrespective of the method used for hemostasis, is the most important principle in achieving a safe and hemostatic thyroidectomy that facilitates ambulatory management. Gently rubbing or swabbing the surgical field while irrigating with saline before wound closure may help detect possible sources of postoperative bleeding. The “beach chair” position for thyroidectomy has been used by some surgeons to minimize venous bleeding intraoperatively, accompanied by a preclosure valsalva maneuver (up to 30–40 cm H2O), facilitated by the anesthesiologist that may help detect small venous bleeding sources. Alternatively, the patient may be kept flat during the operation to alert the surgeon to evident venous bleeding in need of hemostasis. Keeping the patient in a head-up 45-degree fowler position in the recovery room may also help minimize postoperative venous bleeding.