The role of fibrin glue instillation under skin flaps in the prevention of seroma formation and related morbidities following breast and axillary surgery for breast cancer: A meta-analysis

Impact of Topical Epinephrine with Xylocaine on Drainage After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the impact of topical epinephrine with xylocaine on drainage after axillary lymph node dissection.

METHODS

Fifty-two women were randomized into two groups, epinephrine with xylocaine drainage (ED) and conventional drainage group (CD). The amount of drainage, duration of drainage catheter, incidence of seroma formation and wound infection were noted.

RESULTS

The mean total drainage volume was less in ED group as compared to CD group (195 ml vs. 353 ml; p = .002). Drainage catheter was removed earlier in ED group as compared to CD group (5.07 + / - 0.99 days vs. 6.65 + / - 1.07 days; p = 0.0001). The incidence of seroma and wound infection was similar in two groups.

CONCLUSION

Topical epinephrine with xylocaine after axillary lymph node dissection results in significantly decreased drainage volume and duration of drainage.

Elderly and Patients with Large Breast Volume Have an Increased Risk of Seroma Formation after Mastectomy-Results of the SerMa Pilot Study

The collective of the SerMa pilot study included 100 cases of primary breast cancer or Carcinoma in situ who had undergone a mastectomy procedure with or without reconstruction of the breast using an implant or expander at Augsburg University Hospital between 12/2019 and 12/2022. The study aimed to investigate possible causes of seroma formation; reported here are the clinicopathological correlations between seroma formation and tumor biology and surgical procedures. Seroma occurred significantly more often in patients with older age (median patient age in cases with seroma was 73 years vs. 52 years without seroma; p < 0.001). In addition, patients with larger mastectomy specimen were significantly more likely to develop seroma (median ablation weight in cases with seroma 580 g vs. 330 g without seroma; p < 0.001). Other significant parameters for seroma formation were BMI (p = 0.005), grading (p = 0.015) and tumor size (p = 0.036). In addition, with insertion of implant or expander, a seroma occurred significantly less frequently (p < 0.001). In a binary logistic regression, age in particular was confirmed as a significant risk factor. In contrast, tumor biological characteristics, number of lymph nodes removed or affected showed no significant effect on seroma formation. The present study shows the need for patient education about the development of seroma in particular in older patients and patients with large breast volumes within the preoperative surgical clarification. These clinicopathological data support the previously published results hypothesizing that seroma formation is related to autoimmune/inflammatory processes and will be tested on a larger collective in the planned international multicenter SerMa study.

Using Drain-Free Flap Fixation Techniques Versus Traditional Wound Closure With Drain Placement to Prevent Seroma Formation and Its Complications in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Mastectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

During the past decade, there has been some controversy related to using flap fixation techniques instead of conventional wound closure methods and drain placement during mastectomy procedures. The purpose of our study was to address this controversy using a systematic review and meta-analysis of current published literature. Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Our sample population consisted of 2,956 participants divided into two groups. The study group (SG) consisted of 1,418 individuals and the control group (CG) consisted of 1,538 participants. We found there was a significant reduction in the incidence of seroma formation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval, CI [0.3, 0.42]; p < .000) and surgical site infection (OR = 0.65; 95% CI [0.48, 0.88]; p = .006) in the SG compared with the CG. The length of hospital stay was also significantly reduced in the SG (0.59 days; 95% CI [0.73, 0.46]; χ 2 [6, N = 502] = 52.88; p < .000) compared with the CG. The results of our study show that using a flap fixation technique after mastectomy can decrease the patient's risk for seroma formation and surgical site infection while reducing their length of hospital stay. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to evaluate long-term complications associated with using a flap fixation technique compared with using conventional wound closure techniques and drain placement.

Randomised controlled study of seroma rates after mastectomy with and without quilting the skin flap to pectoralis muscle

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether seroma formation was affected by reduction of the potential dead space with the flap fixation method and obliteration of the axillary region in patients with breast cancer who underwent either mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy. A total of 105 patients with breast cancer were divided into two groups according to wound closure patterns.

Patients and Methods

The operating time, postoperative pain and complications, time to drain removal, seroma formation, amount of fluid aspirated and number of aspirations were recorded prospectively.

Results

No significant difference was found between groups in the rates of seroma development (P = 0.7), complication rates (P = 0.6), time to drain removal (P = 0.5), length of hospital stay (P = 0.3) or numbers of aspiration (P = 0.7). The operating time for fixation was determined to be longer than that of the classic procedure (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Reducing potential dead space with flap fixation and obliteration of the axillary region may be useful in decreasing the development of seroma in patients who have undergone mastectomy because of breast cancer. However, surgical technique must be careful, and appropriate patient follow-up must be conducted.

The Effect of Axillary Lymph Node Sampling during Mastectomy on Immediate Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction Complications

Background

Tissue expander-based immediate breast reconstruction is currently the most common technique used for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. During mastectomy, axillary lymph nodes are biopsied to stage patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate postoperative complications with respect to extent of lymph node dissection.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing tissue expander-based immediate breast reconstruction at our institution from 2010 to 2012 was conducted. Charts were analyzed to determine the association between the absolute number of axillary lymph nodes removed and postreconstructive incidence of skin necrosis, cellulitis, seroma, and expander removal. Independent sample t test and linear regression were used to analyze data.

Results

In total, 282 patients with 467 reconstructions were included. Overall incidence of all postoperative complications per breast was 23.8%. Breasts in which a complication occurred had a mean of 6 nodes removed versus 4 nodes in uncomplicated breasts (P = 0.018). Complications were noted at a significantly higher rate in patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection compared with sentinel lymph node biopsy (P = 0.008). Expander removal and seroma occurred more frequently in breasts that had a greater number of nodes removed (P = 0.006 and P = 0.015, respectively). Preoperative radiation resulted in higher incidence of cellulitis and skin necrosis. Postoperative radiation and chemotherapy did not adversely affect reconstruction.

Conclusions

Axillary lymph node removal of >4 nodes confers a greater risk of postreconstructive seroma formation and tissue expander loss in patients undergoing immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. Axillary lymph node dissection has a higher incidence of breast reconstruction complications compared with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Therefore, we encourage plastic surgeons to consider degree of lymphadenectomy when discussing reconstructive options with patients, as this may significantly impact their reconstructive outcome.

Effect of topical microporous polysaccharide hemospheres on the duration and amount of fluid drainage following mastectomy: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Background

Seroma formation is the most common complication after mastectomy and places patients at risk of associated morbidities. Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH) consists of hydrophilic, plant based, polysaccharide particles and is currently used as an absorbable hemostatic agent. An animal model evaluating MPH and seroma formation after mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection showed a significant decrease in seroma volume. Study aim was to evaluate topical MPH on the risk of post-mastectomy seroma formation as measured by total drain output and total drain days.

Methods

Prospective randomized single-blinded clinical trial of patients undergoing mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer. MPH was applied to the surgical site in the study group and no application in the control group.

Results

Fifty patients were enrolled; eight were excluded due to missing data. Forty-two patients were evaluated, control (n = 21) vs. MPH (n = 21). No difference was identified between the two groups regarding demographics, tumor stage, total drain days, total drain output, number of clinic visits, or complication rates. On a subset analysis, body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 was identified as an independent risk factor for high drain output. Post hoc analyses of MPH controlling for BMI also revealed no statistical difference.

Conclusions

Unlike the data presented in an animal model, no difference was demonstrated in the duration and quantity of serosanguinous drainage related to the use of MPH in patients undergoing mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer. BMI greater than 30 was identified as an independent risk factor for high drain output and this risk was not affected by MPH use. NCT03647930, retrospectively registered 08/2018.

Use of Low-Thrombin Fibrin Sealant Glue After Axillary Lymphadenectomy for Breast Cancer to Reduce Hospital Length and Seroma

BACKGROUND

Axillary lymphadenectomy for primary breast cancer produces a non-negligible rate of postoperative lymphorrhea, prolonged hospital stays, and multiple seroma punctures. We evaluated the impact of low-thrombin fibrin sealant glue on surgical wounds in patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study of 149 patients who underwent axillary lymphadenectomy for primary breast cancer between January 2014 and December 2015. Data were obtained from 2 successive prospective studies. The hospital stay length and morbidity (seromas, punctures) were compared between 2 groups: patients who had padding sutures and low-thrombin fibrin sealant glue without drainage (n = 49) and patients with drainage alone (n = 100). Hospital costs were assessed from the hospital perspective.

RESULTS

The mean hospital stay length was shorter in the fibrin sealant group (2.6 vs. 4.7 days; P < .001). Seroma magnitude and punctures were similar in patients treated with fibrin sealant compared with patients with drainage alone. The rate of needle aspiration for seroma was similar irrespective of whether or not a drain or fibrin sealant was used (30.6% vs. 33.0%, P = .77).

CONCLUSION

Low-thrombin fibrin sealant glue does not significantly reduce the amount of fluid produced in the axilla after breast surgery; however, its systematic use may help reduce hospital stays and costs.

Fibrin glue as a protective tool for microanastomoses in limb reconstructive surgery

Aim: Fibrin glue becomes a more and more routinely used tool for stabilization of microanastomoses and nerve repair. This paper summarizes the technical properties and advantages of its use in a wide variety of microsurgical contexts, and includes an exemplary limb reconstructive case.

Patients and methods: A total of 131 patients who had undergone elective and emergency microsurgery mainly of the limbs were retrospectively analyzed, as was the use of free flaps.

Results: The use of fibrin glue allows for proper positioning of anastomoses and repaired nerves. No torsion of the pedicle could be seen. The flap survival rated >94%. The fibrin glue could stay in place in >99%. In the rare case of revision, the fibrin glue could easily be removed without damaging the region of the microanastomosis.

Conclusion: Fibrin glue should not be used to repair insufficient, i.e., leaking anastomoses, but it does protect the site of anastomosis from tissue and fluid pressure. It prevents the pedickle from torsion and its use facilitates relocation of the microanastomoses in cases of revision surgery.

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85).

CONCLUSION

Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, without increasing operative time. Harmonic scalpel can be recommended as a preferential surgical instrument in modified radical mastectomy.

Quilting Sutures Reduces Seroma in Mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Drainage duration and seroma formation occurring after mastectomy with or without axillary surgery lengthens hospitalization and delays adjuvant treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of quilting in the prevention of seroma after mastectomy for breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-two breast cancer patients about to undergo mastectomy with or without axillary surgery lymphadenectomy were enrolled in the study. We conducted an observational comparison between 41 patients in whom quilting with closed suction drainage was used and 41 patients in whom drainage only was used.

RESULTS

The mean drained volume was significantly lower in the quilting group compared with the control group on days 1 and 2 (day 1: 107.1 mL vs. 156.5 mL; P = .02; day 2: 108.4 mL vs. 162.8 mL; P = .01). The mean drainage period was shorter in the quilting group (4.6 vs. 5.3 days; P = .046). There were fewer needle aspirations for seroma in the padding group (n = 14, 34.1% vs. n = 24, 58.5%; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

The use of padding after mastectomy seems to reduce seroma formation, volume drained, and length of drainage time.

Should a drain be placed in early breast cancer surgery?

BACKGROUND

The current surgical debate has led to a reduction in the extent of surgery performed and thereby to a reduced occurrence of surgical trauma and, over the recent years, reduced seroma formation. This reduction in surgical procedures calls the need for a drain into question.

METHOD

Using Google Scholar and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), a literature review was performed on systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding breast cancer surgery ± axillary dissection. Additionally, randomized trials for the time period after the last systematic review were included and evaluated according to the Jadad score.

RESULTS

The search returned 5 systematic reviews, in which a total of 1,075 patients were included (537 cases and 538 controls). Since the last review, no prospective randomized trial meeting the inclusion criteria has been published. The current reviews conclude that insertion of a drain is associated with a longer hospital stay and reduced seroma formation. The data regarding wound infection and drain insertion is inconclusive. The omission of a drain is associated with early discharge, reduced postsurgical pain, and early mobilization, but also with an increase in outpatient seroma aspirations.

CONCLUSION

The omission of a drain is possible in early breast cancer surgery (wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy) with adequate surgical techniques and instruments.

Does Non-Placement of a Drain in Breast Surgery Increase the Rate of Complications and Revisions?

Purpose: Although surgical therapy for breast cancer has become less radical, intrasurgical placement of drains and the use of compression bandages is still standard practice. However, evidence for the clinical benefit of wound drains is controversial, and use of drains is associated with increased pain and longer hospital stays. This raises the question whether, given the latest surgical techniques, wound drainage is still medically necessary. Material and Method: A retrospective analysis was done of patients with breast cancer treated surgically between January 2009 and April 2012 in the Breast Centre Hohenlohe (n = 573). Complication rates and revision following surgery with and without placement of wound drains were compared for patients who had breast-conserving surgery (n = 425) and patients who underwent mastectomy (n = 148). Results: The baseline characteristics (age, number of resected lymph nodes, numbers of patients who had sentinel lymph node resection, tumour characteristics, receptor status and affected side) were comparable for the investigated patient groups. The overall rate of complications was 4 %. There was no significant difference with regard to complication rates after surgery with and without placement of wound drains between the group of patients with breast-conserving surgery and the group of patients with mastectomy (p = 0.68 and p = 0.54, respectively). Conclusion: Our data indicate that non-placement of a wound drain does not influence complication or revision rates after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.

Fibrin Sealant: The Only Approved Hemostat, Sealant, and Adhesive-a Laboratory and Clinical Perspective

Background. Fibrin sealant became the first modern era material approved as a hemostat in the United States in 1998. It is the only agent presently approved as a hemostat, sealant, and adhesive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product is now supplied as patches in addition to the original liquid formulations. Both laboratory and clinical uses of fibrin sealant continue to grow. The new literature on this material also continues to proliferate rapidly (approximately 200 papers/year). Methods. An overview of current fibrin sealant products and their approved uses and a comprehensive PubMed based review of the recent literature (February 2012, through March 2013) on the laboratory and clinical use of fibrin sealant are provided. Product information is organized into sections based on a classification system for commercially available materials. Publications are presented in sections based on both laboratory research and clinical topics are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Results. Fibrin sealant remains useful hemostat, sealant, and adhesive. New formulations and applications continue to be developed. Conclusions. This agent remains clinically important with the recent introduction of new commercially available products. Fibrin sealant has multiple new uses that should result in further improvements in patient care.

Effect of fibrin sealant on blood loss following total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted to examine the efficacy of fibrin sealants for the reduction of postoperative blood loss and allogeneic red blood cell transfusion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Studies published through May 2013 were identified from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, ScienceDirect, and other databases. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of methodology using the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach and extracted data from literature. The mean difference (MD) of blood loss, hemoglobin loss, and risk ratios (RR) of transfusion rate and adverse events in the fibrin-treated and placebo groups were pooled throughout the study. The relevant data were analyzed using Stata 11.0 software.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in the review, with a total sample size of 558 patients. The drainage blood loss [MD = -354.02 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-500.87 to -207.18); P < 0.05], reduction in calculated total blood loss [MD = -402.12, 95% CI (-599.16 to -205.08); P < 0.05], hemoglobin loss [MD = -0.86 g/dL, 95% CI (-1.10 g/dL to -0.61 g/dL); P < 0.05], and transfusion rate [RR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.45-0.86); P < 0.05] were all significantly reduced following treatment with fibrin sealants. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events [RR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.32-1.59); P > 0.05] among the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present meta-analysis suggest that fibrin sealants for patients undergoing TKA may reduce blood loss and maintain higher hemoglobin levels, particularly when fibrin sealants are used at higher dosage. Furthermore, fibrin sealants do not increase the risk of postoperative deep vein thrombosis, superficial infection, pulmonary embolism, and hematoma. Further evaluation is required to confirm our findings before fibrin sealants can be used in patients undergoing TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer in elderly patients and fibrin glue

BACKGROUND

Axillary lymphadenectomy or sentinel biopsy is integral part of breast cancer treatment, yet seroma formation occurs in 15-85% of cases. Among methods employed to reduce seroma magnitude and duration, fibrin glue has been proposed in numerous studies with controversial results.

METHODS

Thirty patients over 60 years underwent quadrantectomy or mastectomy with level I/II axillary lymphadenectomy; a suction drain was fitted in all patients. Fibrin glue spray were applied to the axillary fossa in 15 patients; the other 15 patients were treated with harmonic scalpel.

RESULTS

Suction drainage was removed between post-operative Days 3 and 4. Seroma magnitude and duration were not significant in patients receiving fibrin glue compared with the harmonic scalpel group.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of fibrin glue does not always prevent seroma formation, but can reduce seroma magnitude, duration and necessary evacuative punctures.

Design strategies and applications of tissue bioadhesives

In the past two decades tissue adhesives and sealants have revolutionized bleeding control and wound healing. This paper focuses on existing tissue adhesive design, their structure, functioning mechanism, and their pros and cons in wound management. It also includes the latest advances in the development of new tissue adhesives as well as the emerging applications in regenerative medicine. We expect that this paper will provide insightful discussion on tissue bioadhesive design and lead to innovations for the development of the next generation of tissue bioadhesives and their related biomedical applications.