Frequency of seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy. A comparison between electrocautery and scalpel dissection techniques.

Objective: To compare the use of electrocautery and scalpel dissection while performing modified radical mastectomy in terms of frequency of seroma formation. Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Setting: Department of Surgery, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: 19-06-2019 to 22-06-2022. Material & Methods: A total of one hundred (n=100) female patients between age 22-60 years, who underwent modified radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma were enrolled in the study and randomized into two groups. Electrocautery dissection was performed in group A while patient in group B will undergo Scalpel dissection. Outcome was measured in terms of seroma formation at 7th day postoperatively. Results: Mean age of patients in our study was 42.39 years and standard deviation 8.26. At day 7 after the surgery, mean drain volume was 39.77 ml in our patients. Seroma formation was observed in a total of 14(28%) patients in group A (electrocautery) and 8(16%) patients in group B (Scalpel). Conclusion: Frequency of seroma formation was significantly lower with scalpel dissection as compared to those with electrocautery dissection after MRM.