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

14/09/2026

AI Summary

Hybrid energy-based device (Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw) significantly reduced operative time: median 79 versus 88.5 minutes (P=0.009).
Use of the hybrid device did not increase short-term or long-term postoperative complications compared with traditional thyroidectomy.
Reduced operating time allows a greater number of thyroidectomies per operating session, improving surgical throughput.

TL;DR (AI Generated)

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.

Basic summary

Minerva Surg. 2026 Jun;81(3):153-162. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5691.26.11147-2.

ABSTRACT

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.

PMID:42734137 | DOI:10.23736/S2724-5691.26.11147-2

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