Correlation Between Preoperative Serum Albumin Levels And Post-Operating Seroma Incidence Of Modified Radical Mastectomy In Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Surgical therapy is still the mainstay of therapy for breast cancer, and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is the most frequently performed procedure. Seroma formation after breast surgery is a complication that is often found due to the formation of dead space anatomically. A low albumin level indicates an ongoing systemic response and is a one of marker for a seroma. Aim To determine the postoperative complications of modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients, namely the incidence of postoperative seroma with preoperative serum albumin levels. Methods: An analytic observational study using a cross sectional study design conducted at the medical record of Prof. Dr. IGNG Ngoerah Denpasar Hospital in January 2019-December 2021. The research subjects were all patients with breast cancer underwent MRM. This study’s data analysis consisted of univariate and bivariate analysis using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: 128 subjects divided into two groups, 30 subjects with seroma and 98 subjects without seroma. Low albumin levels <3.5 gr/dl in the seroma group were found in 18% case and in the group without seromas 39.1%, normal albumin levels > 3.5 gr/dl with seromas occurring in 5.5% respondents and normal albumin levels without seroma found 37.5% respondents. The RR value was 2.4 (CI 95% 1.14-5.34) with a p-value of 0.013. Conclusion: Pre-operative low albumin level < 3.5 gr/dl correlated to high seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy.