Comparison of electrocautery and plasmablade on ischemia and seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative drainage volumes and IMA levels in patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with using PlasmaBlade (PB) or electrocautery (EC). A total of 36 patients who underwent MRM with PB or EC in our clinic between August 2012 to February 2013 were enrolled. Number of removed and positive lymph nodes, duration of drainage and total drainage volume was recorded. Seroma formation after drain removal and number of aspirations were also recorded. Serum ischemia modified albumine (IMA) levels were analysed before surgery, 1 hour and 24 hour after surgery. In total, 36 patients were treated with MRM in the study period. Of the 36 patients, 16 underwent MRM with PB, and 20 underwent MRM with EC. The patients demographics were similar in both groups. The mean drainage volume and seroma formation were significantly higher in the PB group when compared with EC group (P<0.05). Number of aspirations due to the seroma were also high in PB group. The total aspiration volume of seroma was not different in both groups. IMA levels 24 hours after surgery in the PB group was significantly higher than EC group. There was no statistical significance between the groups for IMA levels at 1st hour. PB is a monopolar energy device and is associated with increased levels of ischemia. This situation resulted with an increased volume of total axillary drainage and elevated risk of seroma formation.