title: Randomized trial of laser scalpel for modified radical mastectomy.
abstract: The efficacy of a contact neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser scalpel was assessed during breast surgery. Forty consecutive women undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomized to operation performed with a conventional or laser scalpel. The laser scalpel was associated with a significant reduction in mean operative blood loss (149 versus 421 ml; 95 per cent confidence interval of difference 176-368 ml, P < 0.001), but the mean operating time was longer (105 versus 80 min; 95 per cent confidence interval of difference 16-34 min, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the volume of postoperative wound drainage, incidence of axillary seroma, postoperative pain score or time to return of shoulder mobility. Use of a laser scalpel in breast surgery cannot be recommended.
authors.affiliation: University Surgical Unit, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wyman
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001810:Blood Volume; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D053685:Laser Therapy; D015411:Mastectomy, Modified Radical / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D011183:Postoperative Complications