Usefulness of harmonic focus during axillary lymph node dissection: a prospective study.

Background: Axillary node dissection (ALND) is affected by various complications, (hematoma, seroma, lymphocele, infections). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Harmonic Focus (HF) in reducing these complications.

Materials And Methods: 92 patients requiring ALND, were divided into two group: Group A (HF) (33 women, 14 men), and Group B (control) (28 women, 17 men).

Results: Operating time was lower in Group A than in Group B. The amount of drain volume was lower in Group A than in Group B, the drain was removed earlier in Group A than in Group B. Seroma incidence was lower in Group A than in Group B.

Conclusions: The use of HF during ALND is effective in reducing operating time, drain volume and complications.