Using Harmonic Focus for Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Katherine T Ostapoff, David Euhus, Xian-Jin Xie, Madhu Rao, Amy Moldrem, Roshni Rao
Primary Institution: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Hypothesis
ALND performed with the Harmonic Focus® will decrease operative time and reduce post-operative complications.
Conclusion
The use of ultrasonic dissection resulted in fewer required days of closed suction drainage compared to traditional techniques, but did not reduce operative time or post-operative complications.
Supporting Evidence
- Operative time was not improved with the use of ultrasonic dissection.
- There was a decrease in the total number of days that closed suction drainage was required.
- Complication rates were similar between the two groups.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special tool called Harmonic Focus to help with surgery for breast cancer, and it helped patients get their drains out faster, but didn't make the surgery quicker or reduce problems afterward.
Methodology
Retrospective review of patients who underwent ALND at a teaching hospital from January 2005 to December 2009, comparing those who had ultrasonic dissection with those who had traditional methods.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-randomized nature of the study and matching of controls.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and had a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"control":49.4,"harmonic":52},"BMI":{"control":25,"harmonic":31.1},"ethnicity":{"control":{"White":"43%","Black":"21%","Hispanic":"29%","Asian":"0%","Other":"7%"},"harmonic":{"White":"21%","Black":"42%","Hispanic":"25%","Asian":"11%","Other":"0%"}}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
{"operative_time":0.965,"days_to_drain_removal":0.07,"complications":0.788}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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