Prevention of subcutaneous effusion after breast cancer surgery and curative effect analysis on two different drainage methods

Abstract

Objective To investigate the cause, prevention methods and curative effect on two different drainage methods of subcutaneous effusion after breast cancer surgery. Methods The clinical data of 68 cases subcutaneous effusion among 2 100 cases underwent breast cancer modified radical surgery in our hospitial were analyzed retrospectively from January 2010 to December 2016. The vacuum sealing drainage was performed in 1 032 cases and wound high negative pressure drainage system was performed in 1068 casess. Both the elastic bandage compresstion dressing didn′t used. Results In 2 100 cases, 68 cases of subcutaneous effusion occured (3.2%), including longitudinal incision 48 cases and transverse incision 20 cases.Among 1 068 cases of high negative pressure drainagesystem, subcutaneous effusion occured in 36 cases including 28 cases of incisional infection and 8 cases of skin flap necrosis.The extubation time was 8-36 days, average 12 days. Among 1 032 cases of vacuum sealing drainage, subcutaneous effusion occured in 32 cases including 22 cases of incisional infection, 10 cases of skin flap necrosis.The extubation time was 6-12 days, average 8 days. All cases were followed up for 3 months, no subcutaneous effusion and axillary effusion occurred. Conclusions Adequate drainage is the key to prevent subcutaneous effusion.Both vacuum sealing drainage and wound high negative pressure drainage can effectively reduce the occurrence of subcutaneous effusion, however, vacuum sealing drainage is more suitable for wounds with more exudation, larger lacuna and deeper incisions, especially the infected wound and abscess. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Postoperative complications; Drainage; Radical mastectomy; Effusion