Cosmetic Outcome of Electrocautery, Scalpel and PEAK PlasmaBlade for Surgical Breast Incisions

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · Dec 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how different methods for making surgical cuts during a total mastectomy (a surgery to remove one or both breasts) affect the appearance of scars afterward. Specifically, it compares three techniques: using a traditional scalpel, a device called electrocautery, and an advanced tool known as the PEAK PlasmaBlade. The goal is to determine if these different methods result in significantly different scar outcomes, which may help guide future choices in surgical tools and techniques.

To be eligible for this study, you must be someone who is having a total mastectomy, but not one that includes immediate breast reconstruction. Certain people may not be able to participate, such as those with a history of keloid scars (thick, raised scars), current infections, or specific skin conditions. If you choose to participate, you can expect to have your surgery performed with one of the three techniques being studied, and your scar will be evaluated afterward to see how well it healed cosmetically. This research aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risks associated with traditional cutting methods.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients having a total mastectomy with or without axilla surgical staging
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients having immediate breast reconstruction
• • Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer
• • History of keloid scar formation
• • History of connective tissue disorder (scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis with skin involvement)
• • Patients with prior incision at the planned mastectomy site.
• • Patients with known suture hypersensitivity
• • Patients with evidence of current infection