Feasibility of ultrasonic surgical system in breast total capsulectomy

• Published in: Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 3 - 9
• Main Authors: Choi, Jangyoun, Kim, Rah Yoon, Lee, Chae Rim, Kim, Ji Hun, Choi, Jong Yun, Moon, Suk-Ho, Jun, Young Joon, Oh, Deuk Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 01.01.2024; 대한미용성형외과학회
• Subjects: breast implants; device removal; implant capsular contracture; ultrasonic surgical procedures; 성형외과학
• ISSN: 2234-0831; 2288-9337
• DOI: 10.14730/aaps.2023.00969

Background Capsulectomy is a crucial procedure in cosmetic breast surgery, and there is demand for an efficient and convenient tool to perform it. This study analyzed the postoperative outcomes of total capsulectomy by comparing an ultrasonic system to conventional electrosurgery.Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent total capsulectomy and implant removal from 2012 to 2020. The ultrasonic surgery group underwent this procedure using the Harmonic scalpel, while the electrosurgery group underwent the same surgery using conventional electrocautery. A statistical analysis of the two groups was performed using multivariate linear regression analysis to determine the unbiased effect of ultrasonic surgery on operative efficiency and outcomes.Results A total of 89 patients were included in the study. The operative time was significantly shorter in the ultrasonic surgery group (60 minutes vs. 70 minutes, P=0.002). After adjusting for other independent variables that might also be related to the outcomes, shorter operative time (P=0.014) and faster drain removal (P=0.003) were associated with the use of ultrasonic surgery.Conclusions The use of an ultrasonic system (Harmonic scalpel) for total capsulectomy and explantation in cosmetic breast revision surgery was associated with shorter operative times and faster drain removal than conventional electrosurgery.