Effect of mechanical closure of dead space on seroma formation in modified radical mastectomy

Authors: CİHANGİR ÖZASLAN, KERİM BORA YILMAZ, LÜTFİ DOĞAN, CAN ATALAY, MEHMET ALTINOK

Abstract: Seroma is an important complication of breast surgery. This study investigated the effects of fixation of the flaps and obliterating the dead space on seroma formation. Materials and methods: Patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were separated into 2 random groups of 50 according to wound closure methods: either flap fixation/mechanical obliteration or standard wound closure group. The fluid that collected under the flaps assessed at the physical examination after the drains were removed was accepted as seroma. The patients' characteristics, duration of the operation, drainage amount, removal time of the drains, flap necroses, and infection were recorded. The groups were compared via chi-square and Levene tests. Significance was determined for P

Keywords: Seroma, breast cancer, flap fixation, mastectomy, risk factor, wound complication

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