title: The effect of fibrin sealant on the prevention of seroma formation after postbariatric abdominoplasty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Seroma formation is one of the most common complications following abdominoplasty. Fibrin sealant/glue has shown mixed results in seroma prevention when used in a variety of procedures. Limited information is available on its effectiveness during postbariatric abdominoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart analysis of 65 consecutive patients who underwent postbariatric abdominoplasty over a course of 16 months by a single surgeon was performed. Two sequential groups either receiving or not receiving fibrin sealant treatment were defined. Seroma formation and initial 24 h drain output volumes were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three patients in group 1 (9.1%) receiving fibrin sealant developed seroma. Twelve patients in group 2 (28.1%) not receiving fibrin sealant developed seroma; this was statistically significant (P=0.006). Twenty-four hour drain output was also statistically different, with higher initial output in the fibrin sealant group (222.2 mL versus 140.0 mL; P=0.047).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fibrin sealant was a useful adjunct during surgical wound closure and significantly decreased seroma formation in patients undergoing postbariatric abdominoplasty.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery;
authors.forename: Johnson C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Teitelbaum
authors.forename: Josh K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Shajan
authors.forename: Aparajit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naram
authors.forename: Jerome
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chao
keywords: Abdominoplasty; Fibrin glue; Fibrin sealant; Seroma