Abstract
Purpose
A novel approach was introduced for breast surgery using the BiClamp, a new bipolar thermal energy device, to avoid complications and to shorten the time required for the dissection of the axillary lymph nodes.
Methods
Thirty-six patients with early breast cancer were assessed. The surgical parameters were compared between the procedures performed using the BiClamp technique (n = 14) and conventional surgery with suture ligation (n = 22). The parameters included the operation time, blood loss, and discharge on the first postoperative day. In addition, each of those parameters was compared between the patients with a high body mass index (BMI) (>22) and a low BMI (≤22). The sealed vessels were examined histologically and heat-associated morphological vessel wall alterations were evaluated.
Results
The operation time was significantly shorter in the BiClamp group than in the control group (P = 0.017, 90 ± 18 vs 115 ± 33 min). In addition, the blood loss in the BiClamp group tended to be smaller than in the control group, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.54, 61 ± 47 vs 74 ± 67 g). No other parameters showed any significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion
The BiClamp thermofusion technique was safe and useful in breast surgery involving axillary dissection.
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Takeuchi, H., Saeki, T., Shigekawa, T. et al. BiClamp forceps significantly shorten the operation time for breast surgery. Surg Today 40, 706–710 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-009-4118-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-009-4118-2