Abstract
Meticulous hemostasis and careful ligation of branches are necessary for pedicle dissection
during flap elevation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
the Harmonic Focus handpiece (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Blue Ash, Cincinnati, OH,
USA) in reducing operation time, bleeding volume, and volume of postoperative drainage
during anterolateral thigh flap elevation. Ten patients requiring flap elevation were
divided into two groups: (1) Harmonic Focus group (three men, two women), and (2)
control group (three men, two women). Operating time was found to be lower in the
Harmonic Focus group than in the control group. Bleeding volume and postoperative
drainage volume were nearly identical in the Harmonic Focus group and the control
group, and the number of silk ligatures was significantly lower in the Harmonic Focus
group compared with the control group. Although somewhat costly, the Harmonic Scalpel
with the Harmonic Focus handpiece is advantageous for flap elevation, and it is likely
that Harmonic Scalpel use will increase in plastic surgery.
Keywords
Harmonic Focus - Harmonic Scalpel - flap