The efficacy of fat-soluble liquid in the surgical treatment of breast cancer

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of modified radical mastectomy with fat suction plus axillary lymph node dissection after injections of fat-soluble liquid to preserve the axillary nerve and lymphatic vessels. Methods 76 patients who indications of modified radical mastectomy were randomized to study group (36 patients) and control group (35 patients). The patients in the control group received conventional axillary node dissection and fat resection, with preservation of regional nerve branch and vessels.The patients in the study group received axillary injections of fat-soluble liquid and then axillary node dissection after fat suction, with preservation of the large vessel branch and intact long thoracic nerve, thoracodorsal nerve, and intercostal nerve. Results The average surgical duration was shorter and intraoperative blood loss was less in the study group than in the control group. All the patients had better recovery and received subsequent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy based on axillary lymph node metastases; no recurrence was found during a 1-year follow-up. Postoperative complications including motor dysfunction of the affected shoulder joint, upper limb edema, and numbness and pain in the surgical area were significantly fewer in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Modified radical mastectomy with fat suction plus axillary lymph node dissection after injections of fat-soluble liquid is simple and effective role in reducing surgical duration, more completely dissecting lymph nodes and preventing damages to the major axillary nerves and blood and lymphatic vessels, and significantly decreasing postoperative complications. Key words: Breast cancer; Modified radical mastectomy; Fat-soluble liquid; Lymph node dissection; Postoperative complications