Sealants after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: good intentions but bad results.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 2 surgical sealants on postsurgical drainage and lymphocele formation after axillary surgery for breast cancer.

METHODS:

This was a prospective, randomized study. Seventy-seven consecutive patients with breast cancer were included and randomized into a control group (18F vacuum drain) and 2 study groups (18F vacuum drain plus COSEAL or BioGlue).

RESULTS:

The 3 groups were matched. Neither postsurgical drainage nor time to drain removal was affected by the use of either of the 2 sealants. Although no statistically significant difference in lymphocele formation and wound infection was noted, complications caused by intense foreign-body reaction that led to surgical intervention occurred in both study groups.

COMMENTS:

The use of surgical sealants is not recommended after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Complications of their use may lead to reoperation.

• Authors: Panagiotis Taflampas, Elias Sanidas, Manousos Christodoulakis, John Askoxylakis, John Melissas, Dimitrios D Tsiftsis
• Journal: American journal of surgery (Am J Surg) Vol. 198 Issue 1 Pg. 55-8 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1879-1883 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19217598 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Bio-glue
• CoSeal
• Proteins
• Polyethylene Glycols

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Breast Neoplasms (secondary, surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Foreign-Body Reaction (complications, surgery)
• Humans
• Lymph Node Excision (adverse effects, methods)
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Lymphocele (chemically induced, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Polyethylene Glycols (adverse effects)
• Prospective Studies
• Proteins (adverse effects)
• Reoperation
• Suction (methods)
• Surgical Wound Infection (etiology, surgery)