Different Outcomes from Electrosurgery and Low Thermal Injury Device in Mastectomy
Author Information
Author(s): Richard E Fine, Joshua G Vose
Primary Institution: WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Hypothesis
Thermal damage to the subcutaneous microvasculature during flap dissection may have contributed to significant skin necrosis.
Conclusion
The use of low thermal injury electrosurgical instruments may help reduce the risk of skin flap necrosis in select patients undergoing mastectomy.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient experienced significant unilateral skin necrosis following bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy.
- The contralateral mastectomy healed normally with the low thermal injury device.
- Traditional electrosurgery may cause deeper thermal damage compared to the PlasmaBlade.
Takeaway
This study looked at two different surgical tools used in breast surgery. One tool caused more problems than the other, which means the better tool might help patients heal faster.
Methodology
The study involved a case report of a patient undergoing bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy with one side treated with traditional electrosurgery and the other with a low thermal injury device.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the authors' affiliations with the device manufacturer.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
61-year-old Caucasian woman, smoker with recurrent ductal carcinoma in situ.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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