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Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common site-specific cancer in women. During modified radical mastectomy, conventionally, electric scalpel is used for raising skin flaps and achieving haemostasis. In ultrasonic shear, high frequency sound waves are used for cutting and coagulation. Aim: To compare intraoperative outcomes of MRM using electrocautery and ultrasonic shear by comparing intraoperative parameters. Material and Methods: A total of 56 patients were non-randomly allotted to each of the following groups: In Group-A, Electrocautery was used for making flaps and dissection. In Group-B, Ultrasonic shear was used for making flaps and dissection. Total intraoperative blood loss, operative time, drain volume per day was calculated. Results: The mean blood loss in Group-A patients was 417.1±60.4ml.The mean blood loss in Group-B patients was 370.0±50.8ml. There has been a statistically significant decrease in blood loss in Group-B (p<0.05, p=0.0026). Mean operative time in Group-A patients was 111.0±8.4 minutes. Mean operative time in Group-B patients was 126.3±9.9 minutes. There has been a statistically significant increase in the mean operative time in Group-B (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Use of ultrasonic shear in MRM is associated with lesser intraoperative blood loss, lesser total drain output, early removal of drain but it is associated with longer operative time.