Study on the frequency of seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy and its associated risk variables

Abstract

Background: Seroma, a medically apparent subcutaneous accumulation of effusion fluid after breast carcinoma, growing in 30% of patients. The main hurdle in breast cancer surgery is the formation of a seroma, with an unknown root cause. The objective of the present study is to determine the relation between some elements connected with Modified radical mastectomy and seroma formation before the operative period, during the operative period, and after the operative period. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study including 200 female patients who were undergoing modified radical mastectomy at MKCG Medical College in Odisha, India for 2 years. After the surgery, the patient was kept under observation for seroma formation. Chi- 2 squares and t-tests were used for the statistical analysis of this study.
Results: Seroma formation was more prevalent in old-age patients and overweight patients. The more the initial drain volume the more will be the seroma formation. After the operation arm physiotherapy was started. 40 patients of older age had the formation of seroma. 30 patients developed seroma whose tumor size was more than 3cm

Conclusion: The occurrence of seroma was more prominent in older age patients and overweight patients. With prompt physiotherapy and flap fixation under muscles can reduce the occurrence of seroma formation. And some interventions in the time of operation can help in decreasing seroma formation