Electrothermal Bipolar Vessel Sealing System Dissection Reduces Drainage Fluid Output or Time to Drain Removal Following Axillary and Ilio-Inguinal Node Dissection in Melanoma Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background : Radical lymph node dissection (RLND) is the treatment of choice in stage III melanoma patients. Over half of the observed complications were related to post-operative serum collection affecting wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the LigaSure TM Small Jaw (LSJ) on postoperative drainage fluid volume and drainage permanence in patients undergoing RLND. Study design: This was a prospective single-center study in which consecutive melanoma patients underwent nodal dissection using the LSJ. Daily drainage volume and duration of drainage were recorded in post-operative course on days 3, 10 or 15 and day 20. Results: A total of 70 patients were included. Mean postoperative drainage volume was lower. Around two-thirds of patients had a drainage fluid volume of less than 50cc at 10 days. Mean time to drainage removal was 14.5 days. Conclusions: This is the first report of nodal dissection in patients with cutaneous melanoma using an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system. The technique was feasible, safe, and effective and resulted in reduced drainage fluid volume and drainage permanence.