Ultrasonic dissection system technology in breast cancer: a case-control study in a large cohort of patients requiring axillary dissection

Efficacy and safety of surgical energy devices for axillary node dissection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Various surgical energy devices are used for axillary lymph-node dissection. However, those that reduce seroma during axillary lymph-node dissection are unknown. We aimed to determine the best surgical energy device for reducing seroma by performing a network meta-analysis to synthesize the current evidence on the effectiveness of surgical energy devices for axillary node dissection for breast cancer patients. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal. Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS), ultrasonic coagulation shears (UCS), and conventional techniques for axillary node dissection. Primary outcomes were seroma, drained fluid volume (mL), and drainage duration (days). We analyzed random-effects and Bayesian network meta-analyses. We evaluated the confidence of each outcome using the CINeMA tool. We registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022335434). We included 34 RCTs with 2916 participants. Compared to the conventional techniques, UCS likely reduces seroma (risk ratio [RR], 0.61; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.49-0.73), the drained fluid volume (mean difference [MD], - 313 mL; 95% CrI - 496 to - 130), and drainage duration (MD - 1.79 days; 95% CrI - 2.91 to - 0.66). EBVS might have little effect on seroma, the drained fluid volume, and drainage duration compared to conventional techniques. UCS likely reduce seroma (RR 0.44; 95% CrI 0.28-0.69) compared to EBVS. Confidence levels were low to moderate. In conclusion, UCS are likely the best surgical energy device for seroma reduction during axillary node dissection for breast cancer patients.

High-energy devices in different surgical settings: lessons learnt from a full health technology assessment report developed by SICE (Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica)

BACKGROUND

The present paper aims at evaluating the potential benefits of high-energy devices (HEDs) in the Italian surgical practice, defining the comparative efficacy and safety profiles, as well as the potential economic and organizational advantages for hospitals and patients, with respect to standard monopolar or bipolar devices.

METHODS

A Health Technology Assessment was conducted in 2021 assuming the hospital perspective, comparing HEDs and standard monopolar/bipolar devices, within eleven surgical settings: appendectomy, hepatic resections, colorectal resections, cholecystectomy, splenectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, thyroidectomy, esophago-gastrectomy, breast surgery, adrenalectomy, and pancreatectomy. The nine EUnetHTA Core Model dimensions were deployed considering a multi-methods approach. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used: (1) a systematic literature review for the definition of the comparative efficacy and safety data; (2) administration of qualitative questionnaires, completed by 23 healthcare professionals (according to 7-item Likert scale, ranging from - 3 to + 3); and (3) health-economics tools, useful for the economic evaluation of the clinical pathway and budget impact analysis, and for the definition of the organizational and accessibility advantages, in terms of time or procedures' savings.

RESULTS

The literature declared a decrease in operating time and length of stay in using HEDs in most surgical settings. While HEDs would lead to a marginal investment for the conduction of 178,619 surgeries on annual basis, their routinely implementation would generate significant organizational savings. A decrease equal to - 5.25/-9.02% of operating room time and to - 5.03/-30.73% of length of stay emerged. An advantage in accessibility to surgery could be hypothesized in a 9% of increase, due to the gaining in operatory slots. Professionals' perceptions crystallized and confirmed literature evidence, declaring a better safety and effectiveness profile. An improvement in both patients and caregivers' quality-of-life emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

The results have demonstrated the strategic relevance related to HEDs introduction, their economic sustainability, and feasibility, as well as the potentialities in process improvement.

Evidence from Clinical Studies Related to Dermatologic Surgeries for Skin Cancer

Simple Summary

Although significant progress in pharmacotherapy for skin cancer has been made in the past several years, surgical removal of primary skin cancer is still the first choice of treatment unless distant metastases are evident. In the surgical treatment of primary skin tumors, the surgical margin is critical not only for reducing the possibility of tumor recurrence but also for minimizing the cosmetic and functional complications associated with wide local excision. In contrast, dermatologic surgeries including lymph node dissection and skin graft can cause various complications, and these complications are frequently associated with significant morbidity and discomfort. In this review, we summarize the evidence from previous clinical studies regarding the optimal surgical margin for skin cancer and the methods for diminishing the complications associated with dermatologic surgery.

Abstract

Despite the significant progress made in the past several years in pharmacotherapies for skin cancer, such as BRAF/MEK inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and Hedgehog pathway inhibitors, surgical removal of primary skin cancer is still the first choice of treatment unless distant metastases are evident. In cases of lymph node metastases with clinically palpable lymphadenopathy, lymph node dissection (LND) is typically performed for most skin cancers. In the surgical treatment of primary skin tumors, the surgical margin is critical not only for reducing the possibility of tumor recurrence but also for minimizing the cosmetic and functional complications associated with wide local excision. In contrast, dermatologic surgery can cause various complications. Although skin graft is frequently used for reconstruction of the surgical defect, extensive graft necrosis may develop if optimal stabilization of the graft is not obtained. LND also sometimes causes complications such as intraoperative or postoperative bleeding and postoperative lymphoceles. Moreover, as in other types of surgery, surgical site infection, intraoperative anxiety, and intraoperative and postoperative pain may also develop. These complications are frequently associated with significant morbidity and discomfort. In this review, we summarize the evidence from previous clinical studies regarding the optimal surgical margin for skin cancer and the methods for diminishing the complications associated with dermatologic surgery.

Prevention of lymphocele or seroma after mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

Seroma or lymphocele remains the most common complication after mastectomy and lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. Many different techniques are available to prevent this complication: wound drainage, reduction of the dead space by flap fixation, use of various types of energy, external compression dressings, shoulder immobilization or physical activity, as well as numerous drugs and glues. We searched MEDLINE, clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for publications addressing the issue of prevention of lymphocele or seroma after mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy. Quality was assessed using Hawker's quality assessment tool. Incidence of seroma or lymphocele were collected. Fifteen randomized controlled trials including a total of 1766 patients undergoing radical mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer were retrieved. The incidence of lymphocele or seroma in the study population was 24.2% (411/1698): 25.2% (232/920) in the test groups and 23.0% (179/778) in the control groups. Neither modification of surgical technique (RR 0.86; 95% CI [0.72, 1.03]) nor application of a medical treatment (RR 0.96; 95% CI [0.72, 1.29]) was effective in preventing lymphocele. On the contrary, decreasing the drainage time increased the risk of lymphocele (RR 1.88; 95% CI [1.43, 2.48). There was no publication bias but the studies were of medium to low quality. To conclude, despite the heterogeneity of study designs, drainage appears to be the most effective technique, although the overall quality of the data is low.

The efficacy of oxidized regenerated cellulose (SurgiGuard®) in breast cancer patients who undergo total mastectomy with node surgery: A prospective randomized study in 94 patients

Background

Seromas frequently develop in patients who undergo total mastectomy with node surgery. We aimed to prospectively explore whether use of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC, SurgiGuard^®) affects seroma formation after total mastectomy with node surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)).

Materials and methods

Ninety four breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study who underwent total mastectomy with ALND or SLNB. The patients were randomized into two groups, one treated with ORC plus closed suction drainage and the other with closed suction drainage alone.

Results

Mean drainage volume was slightly lower in the ORC group on postoperative day 1 (123 ± 54 vs 143 ± 104 ml), but was slightly higher at all other time points; however, these differences were not significant. Mean total drainage volume in patients treated with ORC plus drainage did not differ from that of patients treated with drainage alone (1134 ± 507 ml vs 1033 ± 643 ml, P = 0.486).

Conclusions

Use of ORC (SurgiGuard^®) did not significantly alter the risk of seroma formation.

Contrast of Mastoscopic and Conventional Axillary Lymph Node Dissection of Patients With Breast Cancer: Meta-Analysis

Mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection (MALND) is a currently used and safe surgical treatment option for breast cancer. However, the extensive application of MALND is still debatable because of the use of conventional axillary lymph node dissection (CALND). Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of MALND and CALND for obtaining evidence-based conclusions about the short-term and long-term outcomes of MALND for patients with breast cancer. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI were comprehensively searched for articles published between January 1998 and January 2019. Then Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment. The Review Manager software version 5.0 was utilized for generating forest maps and funnel plots. Twelve studies including 2157 patients were selected for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the number of lymph node dissections, tumor recurrence rate, axillary drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, and tumor size between the MALND and CALND groups (P > .05). In the MALND group, the surgery time was longer, while the incidence of intraoperative bleeding was lesser and the duration of drainage was shorter than those in the CALND group (P < .01). The complications in the MALND group were also fewer than those in the CALND group (P < .05). The results of the current study showed that MALND is reliable and feasible for breast cancer owing to the lesser incidence of intraoperative bleeding, shorter drainage duration, and lower incidence of complications compared to CALND.

Advanced hemostasis in axillary lymph node dissection for locally advanced breast cancer: new technology devices compared in the prevention of seroma formation

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in women. Axillary lymph nodes dissection represents the treatment of choice in locally advanced breast cancer for prognostic and curative purposes. Seroma formation, an abnormal collection of fluid in the dead space of the axilla, is described in Literature with a wide range of incidence (3–85%). It is a source of significant morbidity and discomfort. The aim of the study is to compare the different haemostasis devices used in breast surgery, investigating the eventual superiority of an instrument among the others in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcome, especially of seroma formation.

Methods

Clinical cases of female patients undergone axillary lymph nodes dissection for local advanced breast cancer between January 2013 and July 2017 at the Surgery Unit of University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into four groups, according to device utilized during surgery: Electrocautery, Harmonic Scalpel, LigaSure and Thunderbeat. All patients underwent II level axillary lymph nodes dissection associated to radical mastectomy or quadrantectomy.

Results

One hundred consecutives patients were enrolled in the study. Intra-operative blood loss resulted statistically significant different (P < 0,01) between the Electrocautery group (94,7 ml) and the Thunderbeat group (57,2 ml), while the Harmonic Scalpel group and the Ligasure group, despite presented a lower amount of blood loss, did not differ significantly. Drainage volume resulted significantly lower (P = 0,002) in the comparison between the Electrocautery group and the Thunderbeat group; the Ligasure group and Harmonic Scapel group showed no difference between them and Electrocautery group. About the seroma formation, the Electrocautery group resulted affected by the highest seroma formation rate (64%). Seroma incidence in Harmonic Scalpel group was 24%, in Ligasure group was 44%, while Thunderbeat group showed the lowest presentation of seroma with 16%.

Conclusions

In patients affected by breast cancer requiring axillary lymphnodes dissection, the use of advanced hemostasis devices is highly desirable. Among the non-traditional tools, Thunderbeat resulted to be superior in terms of reduction of intra-operative blood loss and post-operative drainage output, moreover associated to a substantial reduction of postoperative seroma incidence.

Comparison of harmonic scalpel and conventional technique in the surgery for breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Harmonic scalpel is considered as a promising surgical tool for breast cancer, while its advantage over conventional approach is still controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of harmonic scalpel and conventional tools in the surgery for breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies reporting the outcomes of harmonic scalpel and conventional technologies were systematically searched from online databases, PubMed and EMBASE up to April 30, 2018. Data were presented as odds ratio, risk ratio (RR), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Intraoperative blood loss (I² = 96%, P < 0.05, MD = -68.78, 95% CI -93.31 to -44.24), seroma (I² = 3%, P = 0.41, RR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.86) and hematoma formation (I² = 0%, P = 0.64, RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.73), drainage volume (I² = 89%, P < 0.05, MD = -105.33, 95% CI -161.33 to -49.33) and time (I² = 93%, P < 0.05, MD = -2.18, 95% CI -3.75 to -0.61), necrosis (I² = 35%, P = 0.20, RR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.86), surgical duration (I² = 79%, P < 0.05, MD = -8.49, 95% CI -16.56 to -0.43), and hospital stay (I² = 97%, P < 0.05, MD = -0.94, 95% CI -1.74 to -0.14) are significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Harmonic scalpel is superior to conventional tools in terms of decreasing intraoperative blood loss, seroma and hematoma formation, drainage volume and time, necrosis prevalence, surgical duration, and hospital stay, which should be strongly recommended in the surgery for breast cancer.

Axillary dissection for breast cancer using electrocautery versus ultrasonic dissectors: A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

The major morbidities of modified radical mastectomy both short- and long-term are sequelae of axillary dissection. Flap complications, prolonged seroma, need for axillary drainage, wound infection, lymphedema, shoulder stiffness, and paresthesia are major causes for morbidity after axillary dissection. Different techniques have been implemented to tackle these problems. Few of these include reducing the axillary dead space, using various forms of energy devices.

AIMS

We have prospectively compared two energy sources, namely, ultrasonic dissector (UD) against the electrocautery dissection in axillary dissection for breast cancer with respect to outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred female patients with breast cancer undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomized to either of the two arms - axillary dissection using UD and axillary dissection using electrocautery. The parameters taken into consideration were operating time, operative blood loss, amount and duration of axillary drainage, flap complications, nodal yield, and postoperative pain scoring.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences overall between the two groups with respect to oncological safety and functional outcomes.

Late Shoulder-Arm Morbidity Using Ultrasound Scalpel in Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess whether the use of the harmonic scalpel (HS) in axillary dissection would reduce long-term shoulder-arm morbidity compared to traditional instruments (TIs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis on 180 patients who underwent standard axillary dissection for breast cancer between 2007 and 2015 was carried out. All patients were evaluated for postoperative pain, impairment of shoulder-arm mobility, seroma formation in axilla, frozen shoulder, and lymphedema.

RESULTS

HS procedure on average was 50% shorter compared to the TI technique. HS reduced by 4.5 times the risk of axillary seroma. TIs were associated with 4 times higher risk of developing a painful frozen shoulder.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the HS was associated with reduced costs and a positive long-term effect on shoulder-arm morbidity. Axillary seromas are not the only reason of later postoperative shoulder-arm morbidity: other mechanisms are hypothesized in the onset of this very disabling disorder.

Performance of Harmonic devices in surgical oncology: an umbrella review of the evidence

Background

We performed an umbrella review of systematic reviews summarizing the evidence on the Harmonic scalpel (HS) compared with conventional techniques in surgical oncology (including lymph node dissection).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to end of March of 2017 for meta-analyses or systematic reviews of randomized trials comparing HS to conventional techniques in surgical oncology. We assessed the quality of included systematic reviews with AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) and assessed the certainty in evidence for each pooled outcome using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Results

We identified ten systematic reviews on breast cancer (n = 3), gastric cancers (n = 3), oral, head, and neck cancers (n = 1), and colon cancers (n = 3). Most reviews received a higher rating using AMSTAR. For operative time, systematic reviews reported a reduction of 25 to 29 min for HS compared with conventional methods across oncology types, with the exception of breast cancer where little differences were observed (very low to moderate quality of evidence (GRADE)). For blood loss and drainage volume, the majority of reviews reported statistically significant reductions with HS, and reductions ranged from 42 to 141 mL, and from 42 to 292 mL, respectively (very low to moderate quality of evidence). Hospitalization days were reported to decrease with use of HS by 0.2 to 3.2 days; however, reductions were only statistically significant for half of the included reviews (low to moderate quality of evidence). Regarding perioperative complications, two of six reviews reported a significantly reduced risk with HS use (breast cancer surgery) (moderate to high quality evidence)).

Conclusion

Across surgical oncology types, the majority of included systematic reviews showed a statistically significant or numerical improvement in surgical outcomes with use of the HS compared with conventional methods. Well-designed randomized studies with large sample sizes will help to provide more precise estimates and reduce the risk of heterogeneity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-017-1298-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of the Ultrasonic scalpel on the amount of drained lymph after axillary or inguinal lymphadenectomy

BACKGROUND

Seroma formation and lymphoedema are frequently encountered complications after radical lymph node dissection (RLND). Attempts to reduce the lymphatic morbidity include the use of Ultrasonic Scalpel. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the impact of the ultrasonic scalpel on the amount of drained lymph after lymph node dissection.

METHODS

Patients listed for a RLND or completion lymph node dissection (CLND) were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial to compare the impact of two surgical dissection techniques (USS versus control) on the amount of drained lymph. The lymph drained in 24 h was collected. Our primary endpoint was to compare the daily amount of drained lymph between the two groups. Secondary endpoints were the comparison of drained lymph with the BMI of the patients, the gender and the surgical site (axilla, groin).

RESULTS

Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the USS group or the Control (C) group. No difference was measured in the total amount of lymph drained (USS: 2908 ± 2453 ml vs. C: 3898 ± 5791 ml; p-value = 0.382). The result was also similar after adjusting for gender, age, and BMI. A significant higher amount of lymph was measured after inguinal dissection with USS compared to axillary (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that the use of Harmonic scalpel did not influence the amount of lymph drained after RLND and not support the theory that USS induces oversealing of lymphatics.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial NCT02476357 . Registered 20 of February 2015.

A randomized controlled study comparing a vessel sealing system with the conventional technique in axillary lymph node dissection for primary breast cancer

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the newest bipolar vessel sealing system (BVSS; LigaSure™ Small Jaw) to that of conventional technique in axillary dissection.

Methods

Sixty-one patients with breast cancer were randomized to a conventional dissection surgical technique (CONV group; n = 30) by scalpel and monopolar cautery or that using a vessel sealing system (BVSS group; n = 31).

Results

There was a significant difference between both groups in the mean number of days until drain removal (6.4 ± 2.9 vs. 8.2 ± 3.8 days; P value = 0.033), and the mean total volume of drainage fluid (365.3 ± 242.2 vs. 625.1 ± 446.6 mL; P value = 0.009). The incidence of seroma was similar in both groups (43.3 vs. 37.9 %; P value = 0.673). There was no statistically significant difference in axillary dissection operating time (66 vs. 70 min; P value = 0.371), or the mean volume of blood loss (18.2 ± 31.1 vs. 20.6 ± 26.3 mL; P value = 0.663).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that BVSS is a more effective device when compared to the conventional techniques in axillary dissection.

Prospective Randomized Study to Compare Lymphocele and Lymphorrhea Control Following Inguinal and Axillary Therapeutic Lymph Node Dissection With or Without the Use of an Ultrasonic Scalpel

BACKGROUND

Many attempts to prevent lymphatic complications following therapeutic lymph node dissection (TLND) have included modifications in surgical techniques through the use of ultrasonic scalpels (USS) or lymphostatic agents. Previous randomized studies that enrolled heterogeneous groups of patients attempted to confirm the efficacy of such techniques. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the USS following TLND.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2013, patients undergoing inguinal or axillary TLND or completion lymph node dissection after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoma were randomized into two surgical dissection technique groups. In the USS dissection arm, surgery was conducted using a USS. These were compared with a control group whereby ligation and monopolar electrocautery was utilized. For axillary dissection, a standardized level III lymphadenectomy was performed. A complete inguinal lymphadenectomy including Cloquet's node was performed, and at the end of the procedure a Redon suction drain was routinely placed in the axilla and groin. The primary endpoint was to compare the time to drain removal in both groups, while the secondary endpoint was to evaluate the rate of complications (infection, fistula, lymphocele formation, wound dehiscence, lymphedema) between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this trial; 40 patients were randomly assigned to both the USS group and the control (C) group. No significant differences were observed in terms of duration of drainage (USS: 31 ± 20 vs. C: 32 ± 18; p = 0.83); however, a significantly increased rate of lymphedema (defined as an increased circumference of the operated limb of more than 10 %) was identified in the USS group (USS: 50 % vs. C: 27.5 %; p = 0.04). No other significant differences were recorded for postoperative complications, including surgical site infection (USS: 5 % vs. C: 7.5 %; p = 0.68), lymphatic fistula (USS: 5 % vs. C: 2.5 %; p = 0.62), lymphocele (USS: 32.5 % vs. C: 22.5 %; p = 0.33), and hematoma (USS: 5 % vs. C: 2.5 %; p = 0.62).

CONCLUSION

The use of USS failed to offer any significant reduction in length of drain usage and operative complication, but it seems to increase the rate of lymphedema formation.