Harmonic Scalpel Versus Electrocautery in Axillary Dissection in Carcinoma Breast

Abstract

Objective: To compare the results between harmonics scalpel and electrocautery use in axillary dissection for carcinoma breast.

Study design: Randomized controlled trial.

Place and duration of study: Department of Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, from December 2013 to June 2014.

Methodology: Eighty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and equally divided in two groups. Axillary dissection for carcinoma breast was performed by using the harmonic scalpel in one group and by using electrocautery in the other group. Total mean axillary drain output and frequency of axillary numbness were noted in both groups and compared.

Results: All the patients were females with mean age of 53.52 ± 9.8. Mean axillary drain output in harmonic scalpel group was 167.75 ± 43.90 as compared to 310.00 ± 60.09 in electrocautery group while only 12.5% of patients were positive for axillary numbness in harmonic scalpel group as compared to 100% of patients who were positive for electrocautery group.

Conclusion: Use of harmonic scalpel in axillary dissection resulted in decreased total mean axillary drain output and lowered frequency of axillary numbness when compared to utilizing electrocautery.