Can polyglactin mesh be used for prevention of seroma after mastectomy: an experimental study

Summary Background Seroma formation is still a common problem in breast surgery. Seroma formation is associated with morbidity and financial loss. Fibrin glue was used in several studies for solution, but the results were controversial. On the other hand surgical meshes are promising to prevent the seroma formation. Methods A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Each underwent radical mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and disruption of the dermal lymphatic vessels. Group 1 is the control group ( n = 12). In group 2 ( n = 12), 1 × 1 cm polyglactin 910 mesh (Vicryl, Ethicon Johnson&Johson USA) is placed over the chest wall under the skin flaps prior to closure. The animals in group 3 received 0.5 mL fibrin glue (Baxter Healthcare Ltd. United Kingdom) topically throughout the wound before the closure ( n = 12). The animals in group 4 ( n = 12) received 0.5 mL fibrin glue topically throughout the wound, and 1 × 1 cm polyglactin 910 mesh is placed under the skin flaps prior to the closure. Full thickness tissue samples from both the chest wall and the skin were harvested. The harvested tissue samples were evaluated by a single pathologist in a blind fashion. Results The mean seroma volume of the control group was 1.536 mL whereas the mean seroma volume of the groups 2, 3, and 4 were 1.189, 0.438, and 0.556 respectively. Mean seroma volume was significantly lower, adhesion index and foreign body reaction were higher in group 4. Conclusion Although various studies show controversial results to prevent the seroma formation. This experimental study is an evidence that fibrin glue and polyglican mesh reduce seroma with increasing inflammatory reaction.