Our Summary

This research compared two different surgical tools - a harmonic scalpel and an electrocautery device - used in breast cancer surgeries known as modified radical mastectomies (MRM). The study looked at how long the surgeries took, how much pain medication was needed afterwards, and the number of days that a drain was needed after surgery. The study found that surgeries using the harmonic scalpel were quicker, required less pain medication post-surgery, and needed a drain for fewer days compared to surgeries using electrocautery. This suggests that the harmonic scalpel may be a better tool for these types of surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What were the two surgical tools compared in this research on modified radical mastectomies?
  2. What were the benefits of using the harmonic scalpel over the electrocautery device in these surgeries?
  3. What does the research suggest about the effectiveness of the harmonic scalpel in breast cancer surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to ask about the use of a harmonic scalpel during the surgery. This tool may lead to quicker surgeries, require less pain medication post-surgery, and result in a shorter duration of needing a drain afterwards. It’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual case.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended radical mastectomy are typically those with larger or more aggressive breast cancers, those with multiple areas of cancer in the breast, or those with extensive involvement of the lymph nodes in the axilla. These patients may benefit from a more extensive surgical procedure to remove as much of the cancer as possible. However, the decision to undergo a radical mastectomy should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences.

Timeline

Before radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient receives a diagnosis of breast cancer and consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine if they are a candidate for radical mastectomy.
  3. Surgery date is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure by following pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team.

After radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room after surgery and is monitored closely for any complications.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-surgery and is given pain medication as needed.
  3. Patient may have a drain inserted to help with fluid drainage at the surgical site.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to recover at home, following post-operative care instructions provided by the medical team.
  5. Patient may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their medical team to monitor healing and discuss any further treatment options or concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a radical mastectomy and why is it recommended for my specific situation?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a radical mastectomy?
  3. How long will the surgery take and what is the recovery process like?
  4. Will I need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy after the surgery?
  5. Are there alternative surgical options available to me?
  6. What is the difference between a harmonic scalpel and an electrocautery device in terms of their effectiveness and potential outcomes?
  7. Why do you recommend using a harmonic scalpel for my surgery?
  8. How will the choice of surgical tool affect my pain management and recovery process?
  9. How long will I need to have a drain after the surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the surgery to optimize my recovery?

Reference

Authors: Memon F, Ahmed A, Parveen S, Iqbal S, Anwar A, Hashmi AA. Journal: Cureus. 2020 Dec 26;12(12):e12311. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12311. PMID: 33520510