Objectives: The aim of the study was to gather information on outcomes and effect sizes of 2 surgical methods of glossectomy by using a grade system and an objective measure of artifacts in micrometers (µm). The collected data would be used to plan a definitive study.
Study design: Pilot study.
Setting: Tertiary referral center.
Material and methods: Nineteen patients affected with tongue cancer were consecutively enrolled in a pilot study and treated by partial glossectomy. Eleven patients (57.89%) of group A were treated with monopolar electrocautery, while 8 patients (42.10%) of group B were treated with Harmonic Focus Curved Shears. Specimens were examined by a pathologist blinded to the surgical procedure, using a 4-grade system for margin artifact assessment (margin fragmentation, cautery/crush artifact, extravascular blood clot, capillary congestion) and for measuring artifact depth.
Results: Artifact depth was more relevant in group A (765,633 µm) than in group B (473,939 µm). The difference between groups was significant at the 95% confidence interval (P < .0001). Margin fragmentation and capillary congestion compared between the 2 groups were of no significance. There were less cautery/crush artifacts and extravascular blood clots observed in the harmonic shears group.
Conclusion: When used to perform a partial glossectomy, Harmonic Focus Curved Shears produce less cautery/crush artifact and a smaller artifact depth compared with monopolar cautery.