Effect of Autologous Fibrin Glue on Seroma Reduction after Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer stands out as the second most common cancer in the world with incidence 35.1% of all malignancies among females in Egypt. Fluid build-up after breast surgery is still the most annoying complication which leads to worse outcome. We aimed to evaluate whether autologous fibrin glue might lessen the formation of seroma following modified radical mastectomy. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial designed to configure the effect of autologous fibrin glue given in the study group using the drain in comparison to a control group who received the drain only; seroma volume was calculated every 24 hrs. For all of the cases. The drains were removed when the daily drainage was less than 30 ml for 3 consecutive days. Results: We recruited 30 patients to each of the two groups. Age, pathology, breast cancer stage, number of lymph nodes and tumour size did not differ significantly between groups. A comparison of the median days to drain removal showed 8 days reduction in median days to drain removal compared in the intervention group (7 days) than the control (15 days). The patients in the fibrin glue group had a significantly lower cumulative drain output volume (mean ± SD of 505.6 ± 209.3 ml) than those in the control group (1674.1 ± 1373.8 ml). Additionally, the patients treated with fibrin glue had a significantly shorter postoperative length of stay (8.5 (7–10) days) than the controls (15 (10–23) days. Conclusions: Autologous fibrin glue significantly decrease seroma formation post-modified radical mastectomy. Research Registry Unique Identifying Number: researchregistry5372.