S. Gogna1, J. Con1 1New York Medical College,General Surgery,Valhalla, NY, USA
Introduction: The Ultrasonic Dissecting Device (USD) is based on the principles of piezo-electric crystals. In this study we compared the post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer with USD and Electrosurgical Device (ESD).
Methods: All patients of breast cancer who underwent MRM between January 2016 and November 2016 were recruited into the study. The patients were matched and randomly divided into USD and ESD group on basis of instruments to be used. A total of 70 patients were inducted in the study with 35 patients in each group.
Results:There was longer operative time with ESD. Lymph Node harvest with USD was higher. There was significantly lower blood loss, post-op drainage, seroma volume and hospital stay with USD.
Conclusion:
USD is associated with lower post-operative drainage and duration compared to ESD. There is a small learning curve, following which the duration of surgery is equivalent but the intra-op blood loss is lower and a cleaner operative field can be achieved. The post-op stay is reduced with decreased drainage and seroma formation and adequate LN Harvest. USD do not use electric current for cutting hence the nerves in the vicinity are not stimulated and there is lack of feedback (muscle twitching and contraction). This may lead to inadvertent nerve injury in cases with anatomic anomalies. . The use of USD is safe without any significant complications.