Application of harmonic scalpel in cervical lymph node dissection for oral carcinoma

Objective：To investigate the application effect and key points of harmonic scalpel technique in cervical lymph node dissection for oral carcinoma. Methods：From February, 2012 to December, 2017, 142 patients with oral carcinoma who met the selection criteria were selected. One group were treated with the harmonic scalpel (HS group, n=69), while the other group were treated with the electrotome and conventional knot tying (traditional group, n=73). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume within 24 hours, postoperative hospital days, and postoperative early complications were compared between the two groups. Results：The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage volume within 24 hours, and postoperative hospitalized time in HS group were significantly less than those in traditional group (P<0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of early postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusions：The harmonic scalpel used in neck lymph node dissection of oral carcinoma is effective, safe, and reliable, and it is suggested to be combined with traditional surgical techniques when necessary.