Trial Evaluating Use of Arista in Total Thyroidectomy

This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Arista hemostatic matrix powder (Arista® AH, C. R. Bard, Inc. Davol, Warwick, RI) in reducing drainage output after total thyroidectomy with and without lateral neck dissections. Increased drainage in total thyroidectomy and neck dissection wound beds can lead to seroma formation with possible secondary infection, delayed hospital discharge, and additional home care needs for drain care. Arista is an inert plant based absorbable surgical hemostatic powder that can be easily applied to broad surgical fields to reduce bleeding and seroma rates. Therefore, its application to thyroidectomy and neck dissection wound beds may bear significant potential benefit.