Comparison of Single Versus Two Drains Placement on Occurrence of Seroma Formation and Flap Related Complications after Modified Radical Mastectomy

Farah Shah, Aasia Yousuf, Saba Qaisar, Salahuddin Qaisar, Danyal Zahoor, Maria Shaikh

Abstract

Objective

To compare the frequency of seroma formation and flap related complications following placement of single versus two drains after modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Study design

A comparative cross sectional study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of General Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, from January-2024 to August-2024.

Methods

All patients who underwent MRM were included. Patients were divided into two equal groups. In group A, single drain was placed under the flap after MRM and in group B two drains were kept, one in axilla and the other under the flap. The frequency of seroma formation was assessed. In addition, duration of drain placement, occurrence of hematoma and flap necrosis were also noted. Chi square test and Student t test were applied to categorical and continuous data to find out statistical significance. A p-value <0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

A total of 132 patients were divided into two equal groups of 66 each. The age and comorbid condition were comparable between the groups. Seroma formation occurred in 12 (18.2%) patients in group B and 8 (12.1%) patients in group A (p=0.33). The duration of drains was comparable with a mean time of 7.8±2.5 days in group A and 7.3±2.7 days in group B (p=0.27). There was no difference in the occurrence of hematoma, flap necrosis, and blood loss between the groups.

Conclusion

There was no difference in frequency of seroma formation between single versus double drains placement. However, the patient comfort and less cost were noted in favor of single drain use after MRM. 

Key words

Breast cancer, Modified radical mastectomy, Seroma formation, Surgical drains, Flap necrosis.