Does LigaSure reduce fluid drainage in axillary dissection? A randomized prospective clinical trial.

Background: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is an integral part of breast cancer treatment. It is required in about 40–50% of patients. The placement of a drain in the axilla after an operation is current surgical practice. Short surgical stay programmes increase operating efficiency and reduce medical care costs, without compromising quality of care. LigaSure™ is a new haemostatic device that uses bipolar energy to seal vessels. The aim of this study is to determine whether axillary dissection with LigaSure™ reduces the time of wound drainage, the duration of surgical intervention and the volume of drainage after treatment.