Hybrid-energy-based devices in thyroid surgery: a comparative study on surgical timing and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The development of technology has changed the approach to thyroid surgery. Energy-based devices (EBD) are now widely utilized. This study aims to evaluate whether the Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw, a hybrid EBD (bipolar and ultrasonic energies), allows to reduce operative time compared to traditional surgery without increasing complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on prospectively collected data from patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in our Unit between January 2017 and June 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (Thunderbeat) and Group B (traditional surgery). The primary outcome was operating time. The secondary outcomes were short-term and long-term complications. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were included in the study: 57 in group A, 116 in group B. Demographic data and histopathological findings were comparable between two groups. In Group A, there was a reduction in operative times (79.00 [IQR: 70.00-85.00] vs. 88.50 [IQR: 75.00-100.00]) minutes, P=0.009). Short-term and long-term complications were similar between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid EBD has proven to reduce operative times without increasing postoperative complications in thyroidectomy procedures, allowing for a greater number of surgeries to be performed in the same operating session. The use of this device did not result in an increase of complications compared to traditional surgery.