INCIDENCE OF POSTOPERATIVE SEROMA FORMATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTROCAUTERY VS. SCALPEL DISSECTION TECHNIQUES IN MODIFIED RADICAL MASTECTOMY
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Keywords
Modified Radical Mastectomy, Electrocautery, Scalpel Dissection, Seroma Formation, Postoperative Complications
Abstract
Background: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is a common surgical procedure for breast cancer, but postoperative complications such as seroma formation and prolonged drainage are significant concerns. Surgical techniques, including electrocautery and scalpel dissection, may influence these outcomes.
Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of electrocautery and scalpel dissection on seroma formation, drainage volume, and postoperative complications in patients undergoing MRM.
Study Design and Setting: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Al Nafees Medical College and Hospital from January to December 2023.
Methodology: A total of 136 patients diagnosed with operable breast cancer (stages I–III) were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (n = 68) underwent MRM using electrocautery, and Group B (n = 68) using scalpel dissection. Patients with pre-existing conditions affecting wound healing or prior chemotherapy/radiation were excluded. Seroma formation, drain volumes, and postoperative complications were assessed at multiple time points postoperatively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with chi-square and t-tests employed for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.
Results: Seroma formation was observed more frequently in the Scalpel group, with 47.1% of patients developing seromas compared to 38.2% in the Electrocautery group. The electrocautery group had significantly lower average seroma volume (85.4 ml vs. 102.3 ml, p < 0.05) and fewer seroma aspirations compared to the scalpel group.
Conclusion: Electrocautery reduces seroma formation, drainage volume, and postoperative complications compared to scalpel dissection in MRM, suggesting it may be a preferable surgical technique.
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Zohaib Ali
MBBBS, BSC, Medical Officer at Sharif Medical city Hospital, Lahore
Dr. Monica Jan
FCPS General Surgery Senior Registrar Department of General Surgery Al Nafees Medical College and Hospital
Raheel Imam Quereshi
MBBS, MS(Surgery), Assistant Professor in General Surgery Abu Umara Medical and Dental College/ Ali Fatima hospital Lahore
Ali Husnain Sheikh
MBBS, FCPS, Associate Professor Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College/Akhtar Saeed Trust Hospital Lahore
Shuman Roy
MBBS, FCPS, Assistant Professor ENT, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College
Hassan Abdullah
MBBS House Officer at DHQ Sargodha AJKMC Muzaffarabad