Comparison between single drain versus two drains in the prevention of post-mastectomy seroma

Abstract EN

Breast cancer is managed with many surgical options.

Modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection is the commonest procedure done nowadays.

It is not free from complications, where seroma one of these.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of single delayed removed drain versus two drains early removed for the prevention of seroma formation.

One hundred and fifty patients were treated by modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection for breast cancer between January 2010 and September 2016 in Al-Fayhaa General Hospital.

Patients were divided into two groups, fifty patients were managed with single drain left for nine to ten days and the other one hundred patients had two drains removed after five days for prevention of seroma formation under mastectomy flaps.

The highest age group affected by breast cancer was the 36-45 years and the lowest one was the 25-35 years.

The incidence of seroma was 12 % for the first group and 30% for the second one.

The wound infection slightly more in the first group (14 %) when compared with the other group (12 %).

In conclusion, the use of single drain for slightly longer time is better than two drains removed early in the prevention of seroma formation.