LigaSure for the Creation of Bloodless Breast Pockets in Patients Undergoing Transaxillary Breast Augmentation

BACKGROUND: The energy-based LigaSure device is widely utilized to facilitate dissection and hemostasis during various open and endoscopic procedures. Previous studies have demonstrated that this device can reduce intraoperative blood loss in various surgical settings. The present study aimed to report our experience with LigaSure and the advantages of using this device during transaxillary submuscular pocket dissection over those of a monopolar electrocautery dissector in patients undergoing breast augmentation. METHODS: A total of 156 patients who underwent transaxillary breast augmentation between November 2019 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Submuscular pocket dissection using LigaSure was performed in 92 patients and a conventional technique using a monopolar electrocautery dissector was performed in the remaining 64 patients. A bloodless breast pocket was defined as a clear operating field with little or no blood staining at any stage of the procedure. All endoscopic procedures were recorded to determine whether bloodless pockets had been established. The amount of postoperative drainage at 1 day after surgery was also assessed to compare between the LigaSure and conventional groups. RESULTS: Bloodless breast pockets were successfully established in 83 patients (90.2%) in the LigaSure group and in 38 patients (59.4%) in the conventional group (P < 0.001). Postoperative drainage amount at 1 day following surgery was significantly lower in the LigaSure group than in the conventional group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the LigaSure system is a safe and effective alternative in breast augmentation requiring transaxillary submuscular dissection.