Post Mastectomy Seroma Formation: Scalpel V/S Ligasure Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and one of the leading causes of mortality among female population. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with Level II axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is considered as the gold standard treatment. The most common post-operative complication of MRM with ALND is seroma formation. Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of scalpel and LigaSure dissection with respect to seroma formation in the flaps. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the department of surgery, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital (FGPC), Islamabad from October 2020 to October 2021. A total of 60 patients were recruited in the study, divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each; Scalpel Dissection Group and LigaSure Dissection Group. Data was gathered, entered and analyzed on SPSS version 22. Results: Mean age in group I patients was 38.3 ± 11.4 years and it was 39.8 ± 9.4 years in group II patients (p=0.566). Mean duration of surgery in group I patients was 109.9 ± 7.9 minutes and it was 105.1 ± 8.3 minutes in group II patients (p=0.027). Seroma formation observed in both groups was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Mean duration of surgery was significantly shorter in LigaSure group as compared to scalpel dissection group. Frequency of seroma formation after surgery, mean duration of flap drain, mean volume of flap drain, and mean duration of hospital stay was similar in both treatment groups.