Authors' objectives: This Rapid HTA Report will be developed to answer the following questions: • Policy question: What is the optimal use of the ultrasonic energy devices for surgery in terms of effectiveness, safety and economic issues? • Research question: Are the ultrasonic energy devices for surgery safe, effective and cost-effective?

Authors' recommendations: We concluded that, on the basis of the current evidence, the use of the ultrasonic energy devices in surgery can be linked to the improvement of some relevant outcomes. However, this statement cannot be extended to all the surgical procedures in which this technology is used. The evidence is clearly in favour of the ultrasonic energy devices (i.e., linked to benefits in one or more outcomes) in thyroid surgery and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of the ultrasonic energy devices in some other procedures (breast surgery and haemorrhoidectomy) is supported by a number of primary studies that should be further assessed and meta-analised to produce final clinical guidelines. In the context of tonsillectomy, the evidence from secondary studies showed little added benefits from the use of ultrasonic energy devices (i.e., equivalence to conventional or alternative techniques). The use of the technology in a variety of other procedures is only supported by primary studies. These have a small sample size and are few in number, thus any conclusive statement requires caution. Within the setting of thyroid surgery, the analysis of the economic literature showed several advantages related to the use of the ultrasonic energy devices. No statements about the economic aspects can be made for laparoscopic cholecystectomy or any other procedure. In conclusion, we recommend the use of the ultrasonic energy devices in those procedures for which evidence from secondary studies is in their favour, and economic analyses have shown real advantages. We encourage research to support the use of this technology in those procedures for which evidence is still limited and, once evidence on clinical effectiveness has been made available, we recommend decision makers to consider carefully the economic aspects related to the use of this technology.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.agenas.it/images/agenas/hta/altridoc/Rapid_HTA_-_Ultrasonic_Devices_fof_Surgery.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Italy

Organisation Name: The Italian National Agency for Regional Health Services (Agenas)

Contact Address: Agenzia nazionale per i servizi sanitari regionali, Via Puglie 23, 00187 Rome, Italy

Contact Name: hta@agenas.it

Contact Email: hta@agenas.it

Copyright: Italian Ministry of Health and Agenas