Utilization of harmonic scalpel for hemiglossectomy in carcinoma of the tongue

Abstract

Hemiglossectomy using monopolar diathermy is the conventional surgical treatment of choice for carcinoma of the tongue. Unnecessary and troublesome bleeding is quite often associated with the modality, although a careful identification and ligation of lingual artery can render the surgery less bloodless. Currently harmonic scalpel which is one of the modern modalities is being employed in surgical excision of tongue carcinoma. The mechanism of harmonic scalpel involved the combination of coagulation and cutting effect making glossectomy fast, simple and bloodless. We report a case of 62 years old patient who had right hemiglossectomy using harmonic scalpel for carcinoma of the tongue. The mechanism and advantages of harmonic scalpel modality over conventional modalities are discussed.