ARGON-ENHANCED CUTTING AND COAGULATION CONFERS ADVANTAGES OVER CONVENTIONAL ELECTROCAUTERY FOR MASTECTOMY

In this prospective randomized study we have compared argon-enhanced e lectrosurgery with conventional diathermy in a consecutive series of 5 0 patients undergoing mastectomy. The groups were comparable in age, m enopausal status, tumour size, stage and specimen size. Patients under going mastectomy using argon diathermy had significantly less blood lo ss intraoperatively (521 (67)ml vs 824 (59)ml; P<0.001) and a signific antly lower transfusion requirement postoperatively. There were no sig nificant differences in post-operative drainage (1350 (160 mi vs 1527 (169) mi; P=NS), length of hospital stay, incidence of seromas or othe r complications. Argon diathermy significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss and should be considered as the method of choice in patient s undergoing mastectomy.