The use of ultrasonically activated scalpel in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy

Objective To discuss the clinical value of ultrasonically activated scalpel(UAS) in breast cancer patients who underwent 2-3 cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy by comparing UAS and electric knives (EI) in modified radical mastectomy. Methods From Jun.2009 to Aug.2011, 52 breast cancer patients taking 2-3 cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy underwent modified radical mastectomy in our hospital. Among them, UAS group included 23 patients, and EI group included 29 patients.The 2 groups were compared in terms of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage tube duration, postoperative hospital stay, the number of lymph nodes retrieved, and the volume of subcutaneous hydrops.Results Between the 2 groups, the difference of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage tube duration had statistical significance(P ＜0.01 ).The difference of operation time, hospital stay, and subcutaneous hydrops had statistical significance ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The difference of the number of lymph nodes retrieved had no statistical significance ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion There are good curative effects for breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy by UAS and axillary lymph node dissection after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, which is consistent with the conception of fast track surgery. Key words: Breast cancer;  Ultrasonically activated scalpel;  Modified radical mastectomy;  Fast track surgery;  Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy