Comparison Study Between Scalpel and Electrocautery, in Causation of Seroma After Modified Radical Mastectomy

Worldwide, breast cancer is the commonest malignancy in female population, and an increasing number of women are undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) as a treatment for breast cancer. Though for most patients mastectomy goes uneventful, but for some patients complications of mastectomy are seen that cause morbidity, prolong hospital stay, and delay the adjuvant treatment. Seroma is encountered as a commonest complication after mastectomy. Though various factors are suspected in causation of seroma, in this prospective study, we tried to evaluate outcome of two different surgical technique of MRM in causation of seroma formation. We randomized all patients of breast cancer undergoing MRM in to two groups; in one group, we used electrocautery for raising the skin flap and axillary dissection while in another group we used scalpel to raise the skin flap along with aid of scissors and suture ligation for axillary dissection. Incidence of seroma formation was compared in both the groups. Incidence of seroma was significantly more with use of electrocautery. Results in both the groups were compared by chi-square method, and statistically significant difference in incidence of seroma formation was found between two groups. So in breast surgery, there should not be an injudicious use of electrocautery.