Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system in axillary dissection: A prospective randomized clinical study

We assessed whether axillary dissection using the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system (LigaSure™) improved perioperative outcome when compared with conventional axillary dissection, in a prospective randomized study of 100 women with breast cancer. Those needing axillary dissection were randomized to the use of LigaSure™ or to conventional axillary dissection (with 50 patients in each group, all of whom had a closed suction drain in the axilla). The LigaSure™ patients had less intraoperative blood loss (exceeding 199 mL in 30.8% vs. 69.2%, P < 0.001), quicker axillary dissection (mean 48 vs. 63.2 min, P = 0.004), fewer days of suction drainage (4.3 vs. 5.7 days, P = 0.012), and shorter hospitalization (5.1 vs. 6.5 days, P = 0.021). No difference was found in the rate of hematomas, reoperations or infection. The use of LigaSure™ in axillary surgery reduced the surgical time and length of hospital stay, favoring early drain removal without increasing postoperative complications. © 2011 Surgical Associates Ltd.