title: Effect of mechanical closure of dead space on seroma formation after breast surgery.
abstract: Seroma, a collection of serous fluid, is the most common problem after breast surgery. The aim of this study was to review the effect of mechanical closure of dead space on seroma formation after breast surgery. There are two mechanical methods for closure of the dead space beneath skin flaps: compression by external pressure, and fixation of the flaps with sutures. There is no evidence to suggest that the routine use of a pressure garment or compression dressing is beneficial. However, it appears that suture flap fixation does reduce seroma formation, simplify postoperative care and dressing, and thus allow early removal of drains and discharge. Drains are helpful for mechanical closure of dead space, but in breast-conserving surgery this technique may preclude the use of a drain. However, previous studies have often been small in scale and poor in quality. Further studies should examine the effect of this technique on quality of life, cosmesis, and medical economics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Breast Oncology, Medical Corporation Nyuwakai Oikawa Hospital, 2-21-16 Hirao, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0014, Japan. kurochan@dd.iij4u.or.jp
authors.forename: Katsumasa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuroi
authors.forename: Kojiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimozuma
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Taguchi
authors.forename: Hirohisa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Imai
authors.forename: Hiroyasu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yamashiro
authors.forename: Shozo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ohsumi
authors.forename: Shinya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saito
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps