EVALUATION OF ULTRASONIC DISSECTION TECHNOLOGY IN REDUCING POST-MASTECTOMY SYNDROME RATES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH CONVENTIONAL ELECTROCAUTERY IN AXILLARY LYMPH NODE DISSECTION

Annotation Background. Post-mastectomy syndrome, characterized by chronic pain, lymphedema, and functional impairment, remains a significant complication following breast cancer surgery. This study evaluates the efficacy of ultrasonic dissection technology in reducing morbidity associated with post-mastectomy syndrome compared with conventional electrocautery during axillary lymph node dissection. Methods. A prospective study enrolled 53 female patients (aged 29–81 years) undergoing Madden technique mastectomy, stratified into ultrasonic dissection technology (n=25) and electrocautery (n=28) groups. Primary outcomes included operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, drainage metrics, and 30-day complication rates. Both groups exhibited comparable demographics, with high body mass index prevalence (64% overweight/obese) but balanced intergroup distribution. Results. Ultrasonic dissection technology’s cavitational mechanism preserved neurovascular and lymphatic structures, potentially mitigating long-term lymphedema risks. Despite equivalent short-term complication rates, ultrasonic dissection technology enhanced operative efficiency without compromising safety. The ultrasonic dissection technology cohort demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in operative time, p<0.001, attributed to streamlined hemostasis and reduced instrument swaps. Significant differences were observed in drainage volume, blood loss anddrainage duration (p<0.001), overall postoperative complications. Conclusions. Ultrasonic dissection technology represents a promising advancement in oncologic surgery, offering faster procedures and economic advantages while maintaining safety. This study underscores ultrasonic dissection technology’s potential to refine surgical precision and improve postoperative recovery trajectories in breast cancer care.