The Clinical Usefulness of the LigaSure (TM) Small Jaw in Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: The LigaSure (TM) small jaw (LS-SJ) multifunctional tissue sealing system is mainly used in cervical operations. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the LS-SJ in axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in comparison to the conventional method. Patients and Methods: Ninety-two patients with breast cancer who underwent total mastectomy and ALND were included in this study. The patients were divided into the LS-SJ group (n= 43) and the conventional-ALND (c-ALND) group (n= 49). Results: Patients with high body mass index values had a greater drainage volume and longer time to drain removal. The drainage volume was in the LS-SJ group was significantly lower than that in the c-ALND group. The time to drain removal and the hospitalization period were also significantly shorter in the LS-SJ group. The LS-SJ was more effective for ALND in obese patients. Conclusion: The results suggest the clinical usefulness of LS-SJ in ALND in patients with breast cancer, especially in obese patients.