Seroma Formation after Mastectomy with or without Thoracoabdominal Binder – A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

The study’s main objective is to reduce seroma production post-mastectomy with the help of using thoracoabdominal binders. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) included patients (No=40) that received breast surgery. They were divided into two groups; the control group (No=20) was the one that did Not use the binders, and the study group (No=20), complied with adorning the thoracoabdominal binder for two weeks post-breast surgery. The drainage of both breasts and axillary drains was examined during this duration. The amount of drainage was Noted, and charts were created on that basis. A total of 40 patients initially became a part of this trial, equally divided into two groups of 20 patients each. All of the participants of this group had undergone breast surgery (either mastectomy or MRM) and had to appear for the follow-up examination 2-3 weeks post-surgery. In these follow-up meetings in the outpatient clinic, the drainage charts were maintained, including the levels of drain output and compliance rate of the thoracoabdominal binder group; some patients were excluded from the study due to exclusion criteria.There was No difference between both groups in the drainage output, thus imposing No major impact of thoracoabdominal binders on seroma reduction. Other implications of binders in breast care post-surgery were explored to add to the positive effects of binders. This suggests that more studies need to be done to find the best management methods for postoperative seroma formation.