Evaluation of Fixation of Mastectomy Flaps in Reduction of Seroma Formation in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Seroma is the most common complication following modified radical mastectomy (MRM), as post mastectomy dead space left between skin and anterior chest wall where seroma is formed causing multiple health issues. Aim of the Work: Is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of fixation of skin flaps to anterior chest wall for closing postoperative space with drainage as an alternative to the classic form of mastectomy closure with closed suction drain for MRM for female patients with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients, admitted to the following hospitals: Sydnawy Insurance Hospital, and Ain Shames University Hospitals with a diagnosis of breast cancer and were treated by modified radical mastectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups group A (n=30) were flap fixing group and group B (n=30) were non flap fixing group all patient were presented with breast cancer with age range of 32 to 75, postoperative patients were followed and their data were collected and compared. Results: All 60 patients were evaluated as we had no patients who were lost in follow up. Patients’ demographics were not different in the two groups. We reported less overall complication in group A than group B, also reduced total seroma volume in group A and reduced number of drain days in group A than B. Conclusions: Fixation of skin flaps to chest wall and closure of dead space post modified radical mastectomy actually reduce incidence of seroma formation