The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 196, Issue 2 , Pages 170-174, August 2008

Effectiveness of fibrin glue in conjunction with collagen patches to reduce seroma formation after axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer

  • Roberto Ruggiero, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +39 0815 665235; fax: +39 0815665279.
    • ,
  • Eugenio Procaccini, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • ,
  • Pasquale Piazza, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • ,
  • Giovanni Docimo, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • ,
  • Francesco Iovino, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • ,
  • Giulio Antoniol, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Ecole Polytecnique de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
    • ,
  • Eduardo Irlandese, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • ,
  • Simona Gili, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy
    • ,
  • Francesco Lo Schiavo, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Second University of Naples, III General Surgery Division, Naples, Italy

Received 26 June 2007; received in revised form 7 September 2007

Abstract 

Background

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

Methods

Fifty patients underwent quadrantectomy or mastectomy with level I/II axillary lymphadenectomy; a suction drain was fitted in all patients. Fibrin glue spray and a collagen patch were applied to the axillary fossa in 25 patients; the other 25 patients were treated conventionally.

Results

Suction drainage was removed between postoperative days 3 and 4. Seroma magnitude and duration were significantly reduced (P = .004 and .02, respectively) and there were fewer evacuative punctures in patients receiving fibrin glue and collagen patches compared with the conventional treatment group.

Conclusions

Use of fibrin glue with collagen patches does not always prevent seroma formation, but it does reduce seroma magnitude and duration, as well as necessary evacuative punctures.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Seroma, Fibrin glue

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PII: S0002-9610(08)00245-6

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.09.042

The American Journal of Surgery
Volume 196, Issue 2 , Pages 170-174, August 2008

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