A study of seroma after mastectomy

Seroma after mastectomy is a common complication that interferes with healing, and delays further management of the patient. One hundred eleven patients with modified radical mastectomy were randomized to have flap fixation (n = 54) or not (n = 57). Postoperative wound drainage and incidence of seroma were not influenced by flap fixation in these patients; however, resolution of seroma was accomplished earlier in the patients with flap fixation. Age, body index, size and texture of breast, blood pressure, histological appearance, pTNM classification of tumor, and lymph node status were recorded in all patients. Wound drainage was increased in patients older than 50 years with high body index, large size of breast, fatty texture of breast, and hypertension. Seroma was more frequent in patients with large amounts of suction drainage, over age 50 years, and hypertension.