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

Aim: 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 asseroma. The patients’ characteristics, duration of the operation, drainage amount, removal time of the drains, flapnecroses, and infection were recorded. The groups were compared via chi-square and Levene tests. Significance was determined for P = 0.05.Results: In both groups, characteristics and complication rates were similar. The seroma rates in the first and second groups were 12 (24%) and 6 (12%), respectively (P 0.05). The average time for the removal of the drains was 6.7 ± 2.6days in the first group and 5.6 ± 1.7 days in the second (P = 0.012). The average amount of drainage was 873 ± 513 and630 ± 271 mL for the first and second groups, respectively (P = 0.02).Conclusion: Mechanical closure between subcutaneous tissue and pectoral muscle with stitches at the incision may decrease the amount of drainage and contribute to early removal of the drains.