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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to detect the efficiency of dead space obliteration to reduce postmastectomy seroma formation, leading to early drain removal. Background Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. It accounts for 33% of female cancers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Primary operable breast cancer can be treated by either modified radical mastectomy or conservative breast surgery. Seroma represents the most important complication after modified radical mastectomy. Patients and methods Forty patients with primary operable breast cancer were included in this study from February 2013 to March 2014. They underwent modified radical mastectomy and were then divided into two groups: group A and group B. In group A patients, the wound was closed by means of the flap-fixation technique by continuous suturing of the upper flap to the pectoralis major muscle and lateral chest wall and suturing the pectoralis major muscle to the pectoralis minor muscle by four to six interrupted sutures using vicryl 2/0. In group B patients, the wound was closed by means of simple closure and application of a crepe bandage. Results There were significant differences between the two groups as regards the total amount of drained serous fluid (P < 0.001) and the duration for drain removal (P < 0.001). The flap-fixation technique shows significant decrease in the number of patients who developed seroma after drain removal (P < 0.001). Conclusion The flap-fixation technique is a valuable technique for reducing seroma formation after mastectomy and axillary dissection.

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