Does the use of fibrin glue prevent seroma formation after axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer? A prospective randomized trial in 159 patients.
BACKGROUND
Seroma formation frequently occurs in patients who have undergone axillary lymphadenectomy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fibrin glue in the prevention of seroma formation after axillary lymphadenectomy.


METHODS
Hundred fifty-nine breast cancer patients about to undergo quadrantectomy or mastectomy plus axillary lymphadenectomy were enrolled in the study and randomized into two groups. Fibrin glue spray applied to the axillary fossa plus placement of closed suction drainage were used in 80 patients (group A); placement of closed suction drainage was only used in 79 patients (group B).


RESULTS
Group A patients showed a slight advantage with regard to the mean duration of axillary drainage placement (4.5 +/- 1.3 days in group A vs. 5.1 +/- 1.6 days in group B) and number of seroma aspirations (6.3 +/- 1.1 in group A vs. 6.7 +/- 1.2 in group B). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups of patients regarding the mean volume of total axillary drainage and of total seroma volume.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of fibrin glue does not prevent seroma formation and does not reduce seroma magnitude and duration. The costs of the product involved do not justify its routine use in patients undergoing axillary dissection.
Cipolla
Calogero
C
Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. calogerocipolla@virgilio.it
Fricano
Salvatore
S
Vieni
Salvatore
S
Graceffa
Giuseppa
G
Licari
Gaspare
G
Torcivia
Adriana
A
Latteri
Mario A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013396:Suction; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D014014:Tissue Adhesives