Effects of different powers of high-frequency electrotome on perioperative period of neck dissection.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying power levels of high-frequency electrosurgical units on the perioperative period of unilateral modified radical neck dissection.

METHOD: This study included 180 patients who underwent unilateral modified radical neck dissection at a single center between October 2019 and February 2024. A retrospective analysis research method was used to divide the patients into a high-power group (30 W), a medium-power group (25 W), and a low-power group (20 W), with 60 cases in each group. Various indicators in the perioperative period were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

The higher power level of the high-frequency electrosurgical unit was associated with shorter operation times (P < 0.05) and reduced intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.05). The total postoperative drainage volume was higher among patients in the high-power group than that among the medium- and low-power groups (P < 0.05). The length of hospital stay was shorter among patients in the low-power group than among those in the high-power group (P < 0.05). Pain scores, wound healing rate, infection rate and the incidence of unplanned reoperation were lower among patients in the low-power group than among those in the high-power group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study recommends the use of lower electrosurgical power settings whenever feasible, provided that the procedure can be completed effectively. For patients who are unable to tolerate prolonged procedures or for whom substantial intraoperative bleeding is anticipated, increasing the electrosurgical power setting may help mitigate blood loss and shorten operative duration.