Ultrasonic glossectomy--simple and bloodless.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was the evaluation of the feasibility of glossectomy using an ultrasonic-activated surgical instrument. METHODS This was a prospective study of 13 consecutive patients who underwent glossectomy (12 partial and one total) for carcinoma of tongue with the use of ultrasonic scissors. RESULTS All 13 patients had glossectomy, with median blood loss of 0 mL. The glossectomies were done with an ultrasonic dissector alone. None of the glossectomies required diathermy, ligature, plication, or other methods for hemostasis. The lingual artery and veins of all 13 patients were controlled by use of the ultrasonic scissors alone. No operative complications occurred, including bleeding or wound healing problems. CONCLUSIONS The excellent combination of coagulation and the cutting effect of ultrasonic scissors has made glossectomy a simple and bloodless procedure. It is a recommended surgical technique in our surgical armamentarium.