Role of Capitonage and Fibrin Sealant in Reducing Seroma Formation after Breast Conservation Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Seroma formation is a common complication after breast cancer surgery. Several techniques such as tube drainage, fibrin sealant and suturing methods have been employed to prevent or reduce seroma formation. Capitonnage, a suturing method widely used following hydatid cyst removal, has been used after breast surgery in limited studies. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of tube drainage, fibrin sealant and capitonnage to prevent early complications.

Methods: Eligible patients with breast cancer who were candidate for breast conserving surgery were enrolled and randomized into three different groups (tube drainage, capitonnage, capitonnage plus fibrin sealant). Patients were visited on 5^th,12^th and 19^th days after surgery and were assessed for any probable complications.

Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled. One patient developed seroma in tube drainage and capitonnage group, while no participant from capitonnage plus fibrin sealant group experienced the mentioned complication. Three patients developed skin necrosis, all of them were treated with capitonnage plus fibrin sealant protocol.

Conclusions: Based on our observations, it seems that capitonnage alone or in combination with fibrin sealant do not lead to significant differences in frequency of complications after breast cancer surgery such as hematoma, seroma and surgical site infection.