title: Prevention of postoperative seromas with dead space obliteration: A case-control study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Excision of soft tissue masses in the subcutaneous space is a common surgical procedure. Postoperative seromas may occur and often result in additional visits, procedures, and impaired wound healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review (2001-2011) identified patients who underwent resection of a soft tissue mass in the subcutaneous tissues. Patients undergoing breast surgery, head and neck surgery, and lymph node dissections were excluded. Patients (n = 100) with seromas were identified. These patients were matched to patients not having postoperative seroma (n = 100).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 100 patients with seroma and 100 controls without seroma after soft tissue resection. Patients had no difference in wound characteristics. Patients with a dead space obliterating stitch were less likely to have a postoperative seroma (26% vs 74%, P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dead space closure was associated with a decreased rate of postoperative seroma in subcutaneous resections. Postoperative seroma was associated with increased cost and provider visits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Johnathon M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Aho
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Terry P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Nickerson
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Cornelius A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Thiels
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saint-Cyr
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. Electronic address: farley.david@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Farley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D049291:Seroma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Closure; Dead space; Lipoma; Seroma; Soft tissue; Wound