LigaSure Small Jaw® Versus Conventional Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

A Prospective Randomized Study of LigaSure Small Jaw® Versus Conventional Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate if the LigaSure vessel sealing system can reduce the operation duration and the postoperative drainage amount in patients undergoing neck dissection.

We compared the differences in perioperative and postoperative variables between LigaSure Small Jaw®-assisted and conventional neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients.

Patients who were scheduled to undergo neck dissection due to head and neck cancer were eligible for this study. After receiving a detailed explanation, all patients signed an informed consent form before randomization. The study group were treated using the LigaSure vessel sealing system (Small Jaw®; Covidien, Colorado, USA) for dissection and hemostasis throughout the whole procedures during neck dissection. Relevant data included tumor-related variables, perioperative parameters, postoperative drainage status, postoperative subjective pain, and analgesic consumption amount were recorded and analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 20 to 80 years scheduled to receive neck dissection due to head and neck cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of coagulation disorders
• prior radiation to the neck
• prior neck dissection
• declined to participate