2012 Volume 63 Issue 6 Pages 436-442
Head and neck cancer surgery using the Harmonic FOCUS® (HF) contributes to shortening of operative time, decrease in bleeding, and reduction of operative invasion. We discussed the specific ideas behind and essential points of HF use in procedures total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (TPLE) and neck dissection.
In particular, the essential point in primary resection (TPLE) is consecutive performance of procedures 1) from transection of the strap muscles to paratracheal dissection and 2) from division of the thyroid isthmus to Berry's ligament. Operative time was significantly shortened in the operations the writer performed using HF. Also, bleeding and required time decreased even in comparison of neck dissections.
In the operations of TPLE and neck dissection which we indicated here, HF can be used effectively in various perioperative scenes. Although some cost problems remain unresolved, we believe use of HF, is worth its cost. Head and neck surgery using HF makes a new era in operations, and constitutes one type of minimally invasive surgery because it reduces operative involvement.
