Parotid Gland Surgery Using the Shaw Hemostatic Scalpel

Abstract

Twenty-five patients who underwent parotid gland surgery using the Shaw Hemostatic Scalpel (group 1) were compared with 25 patients who had similar surgery using conventional techniques (group 2). Overall, the patients in group 1 had less blood loss and shorter operative times. In patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy, the incidence of temporary partial facial nerve paralysis was 31% in the experimental group v 43% in the conventional group. The mean number of branch paralyses per patient was one in group 1 v 1.9 in group 2, and time to recovery of full function was 50% less in group 1. The Shaw Hemostatic Scalpel is a safe, efficacious instrument for use in parotid gland surgery.