title: Risk factors for donor-site seroma formation after immediate breast reconstruction with the extended latissimus dorsi flap: a statistical analysis of 120 consecutive cases.
abstract: The extended latissimus dorsi flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction. However, seroma at the donor site is a common complication and makes it difficult for reconstructive surgeons to choose it as a primary option. We analyzed the association between seroma and reconstructions with extended latissimus dorsi flaps. A series of 120 consecutive cases were included in this study. The average body mass index (BMI) was 22.1 kg/m, and the mean ratio of the flap weight to the extirpated breast weight was equivalent to 101.6%. The mean age of patients was 40.3 years. Donor-site seroma was reported in 69.2% (83 cases) of the total patients. With respect to BMI, flap weight, and age, the incidence and duration of donor-site seroma showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Both the incidence and duration of seroma were significantly higher and longer in patients who had high BMI (>23 kg/m), large flap (>450 g) for reconstructions, or advanced age (>45 y). In these cases, greater attention and additional adjunctive procedures would be needed to prevent seroma.
authors: Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, and Department of Plastic Surgery, ID Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors: Byung-Joon
authors: BJ
authors: Jeon
authors: Tae-Sung
authors: TS
authors: Lee
authors: So-Young
authors: SY
authors: Lim
authors: Jai-Kyong
authors: JK
authors: Pyon
authors: Goo-Hyun
authors: GH
authors: Mun
authors: Kap Sung
authors: KS
authors: Oh
authors: Sa-Ik
authors: SI
authors: Bang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D049291:Seroma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps