A prospective randomised trial of two treatments for wound seroma after breast surgery

Aims: Seroma formation is a recognised complication of breast surgery causing wound pain and discomfort. It was hypothesised that daily aspiration of symptomatic seromas that formed after breast surgery would encourage flap adherence to the chest wall, thereby allowing swifter resolution of seroma. Methods: Thirty-six patients undergoing mastectomy and/or axillary clearance who formed seroma post operatively, were randomised into two groups either having daily aspiration of seroma or aspiration as required by patient symptoms. Results: The daily aspiration required significantly more attendances for aspiration (P<0.005) and the time from surgery to final aspiration was not reduced. Conclusion: Daily aspiration of symptomatic seroma did not result in swifter resolution.