Role of Capitonage and Fibrin Sealant in Reducing Seroma Formation after Breast Conservation Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Seroma formation is a common complication after breast cancer surgery. Several techniques such as tube drainage, fibrin sealant and suturing have been employed to prevent or reduce seroma formation. Capitonnage, a suturing method widely used following hydatid cyst removal, has been used after breast surgery in limited studies. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of tube drainage, fibrin sealant and capitonnage to prevent early complications. Methods: Eligible patients with breast cancer undergoing breast conserving surgery were enrolled and randomized into three different groups (tube drainage, capitonnage, and capitonnage plus fibrin sealant). Patients were revisited on 5 , th 12 and 19 days after surgery and examined for possible complications. th th Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled. In both tube drainage and capitonnage groups one patient developed seroma. However, no participants from capitonnage plus fibrin sealant group experienced the complication. Five patients developed surgical site infection, and three of them underwent tube drainage. Three patients who were treated with capitonnage plus fibrin sealant protocol developed limited skin necrosis. Conclusions: Based on our observations, the capitonnage alone or in combination with fibrin sealant yields no significant differences in frequency of complications after breast cancer surgery such as hematoma, seroma and surgical site infection.