Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery: An Experience of Modified Radical Mastectomy at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: The harmonic scalpel, commonly used in laparoscopic surgery, now has promise for MRM dissection. The harmonic scalpel's high frequency mechanical vibrations cut and coagulate intraoperatively at the same time, generating less heat injury than electrocautery.

Objective: To compare the outcome of modified radical mastectomy using harmonic scalpel versus electrocautery at tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methodology: The randomized controlled trial was conducted from 12th September 2018 11th March 2019 at Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science, Jamshoro. A total of 128 patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma undergoing modified radical mastectomy, 20 to 50 years of age were included. Chronic Hepatitis, diabetes, and neo-adjuvant treatment patients were excluded. Modified radical mastectomy employing harmonic scalpel for Group A and electrocautery for Group B. Postoperative problems such as seroma development, postoperative hematoma, marginal necrosis, lymphedema, and wound infection were also observed.

Results: The mean age of women in group A was 39.81 ± 6.73 years and in group B was 39.45 ± 6.60 years. Mean duration of disease was 5.41 ± 1.91 months. The frequency of seroma formation in harmonic scalpel group as 7.81% vs 26.56% in electrocautery group, p=0.005), frequency of pain is 53.13% vs 68.75% respectively, p=0.070, frequency of hematoma is 1.56% vs 17.19% respectively, p=0.002), frequency of marginal necrosis was 0.0% vs 7.81% respectively, p=0.023), lymphedema 3.13% vs 14.06% respectively, p=0.027) and wound infection 17.19% vs 35.94% respectively, p=0.016.

Conclusion: This research indicated that harmonic scalpel is superior to electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy.