title: Argon-enhanced cutting and coagulation confers advantages over conventional electrocautery for mastectomy.
abstract: In this prospective randomized study we have compared argon-enhanced electrosurgery with conventional diathermy in a consecutive series of 50 patients undergoing mastectomy. The groups were comparable in age, menopausal status, tumour size, stage and specimen size. Patients undergoing mastectomy using argon diathermy had significantly less blood loss intraoperatively (521 (67)ml vs 824 (59)ml; P<0.001) and a significantly lower transfusion requirement post-operatively. There were no significant differences in post-operative drainage (1350 (160) ml vs 1527 (169) ml; P=NS), length of hospital stay, incidence of seromas or other complications. Argon diathermy significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss and should be considered as the method of choice in patients undergoing mastectomy.
authors.affiliation: National Breast Cancer Research Institute, and Department of Surgery, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kerin
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: O'Hanlon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Given
mesh_terms: D001128:Argon; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003972:Diathermy; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D001128:Argon