title: The use of autologous platelet-leukocyte-enriched plasma to minimize drain burden and prevent seroma formation in latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Seromas and drains are major sources of morbidity associated with latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. Our goal was to look at an autologous platelet-leukocyte-enriched plasma spray and to assess its efficacy in reducing drain burden and seroma formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a single surgeon, patient-controlled, blinded study on bilateral latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction patients in which we applied autologous platelet-leukocyte-enriched plasma to one side and measured drain amounts, time to drain removal, and seroma rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve patients were included in this study. The average age was 41.1 years, and the average body mass index was 21.6 kg/m. Average volume of drain output showed neither difference (789 mL spray side vs. 790 mL control side) nor average time to drain removal (11.83 days spray side vs. 11.5 days control side). There were 2 complications reported: 1 hematoma (8.33%) and 1 seroma (8.33%) that required aspiration in a postoperative visit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It appears after 12 patients that there is no demonstrable difference regarding drain output, time to drain removal, or seroma incidence between the study and the control group. We feel a larger study population would add power and confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: J Garrett
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Harper
authors.forename: L Franklyn
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Patti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bergey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing