PREVENTION OF SEROMA IN BREAST SURGERY

Abstract Introduction Axillary lymphadenectomy is an essential procedure in the treatment of axillary breast metastases, with seroma formation being its most frequent complication. In the literature there are controversial studies on the best method of prevention of axillary seroma. Methods A retrospective observational study was carried out in 77 patients who underwent axillary lymphadenectomy in 2021. Epidemiological, intraoperative and follow-up-related data and complications were taken into account, with the aim of analyzing the relationship between the application of hemostatic materials, such as Hempatch®, in the axillary site after lymphadenectomy and the presentation of axillary seroma. For the statistical analysis, the IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 program was used. Results Hemopatch® was applied to the axillary site in 55.8% of cases. 35.1% of the patients presented axillary seroma and in 32.5% no complication was observed. The application of Hemopatch® showed a significant relationship with the mean volume of drainage in the first 3 postoperative days (p=0.000), as well as with the total volume in these first 3 days after surgery (p=0.000) and with the early withdrawal of the drainage (p=0.000). No relationship, however, could be demonstrated between the use of Hemopatch® in the axillary site and the prevention of axillary seroma (p=0.728). Conclusions The application of Hemopatch® in the axillary site does not imply a decrease in the rate of seroma or in the total volume drained, but a reduction in the volume drained has been observed during the first 3 postoperative days, which facilitates its early removal.