Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Does Abdominal Quilting Suture Prevent Seroma in TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction?

횡복직근피판술을 이용한 유방재건술 시 상복부의 누빔 봉합이 장액종을 예방하는가?

  • Lee, Min-Young (Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Taik-Jong (Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine)
  • 이민영 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 성형외과학교실) ;
  • 이택종 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 성형외과학교실)
  • Received : 2010.10.04
  • Accepted : 2011.02.14
  • Published : 2011.05.10
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Abstract

Purpose: Seroma formation is still major complication of abdominal donor site after TRAM flap surgery in spite of various efforts to reduce seroma formation such as closed suction drain. We performed a clinical study, that quilting suture at abdominal donor site can prevent seroma formation. Methods: Between May 2002 and September 2008, we performed 600 breast reconstructions using a unilateral TRAM flap except patients who has smoking history or abdominal scar. We performed 300 breast reconstructions without quilting sutures (A: Experimental group) until January 06, and after then 300 reconstructions with quilting sutures (B: Control group). We compared total drain output (mL), time to drain removal (days), and donor site complications between two groups. Results: There were no statistical difference at BMI (p=0.28) and time to remove suction drain between two group. (A: 8.37, B: 9.69) (p=0.40) But, total drain output was reduced with quilting suture. (A: 432.5, B: 495.2) (p=0.005) And also complication rate was decreased, such as seroma formation, epigastric bulging. (A: 1%, B: 7%) (p=0.005) Conclusion: Quilting suture is a simple and reliable method to reduce seroma formation and abdominal donor site complication.

Keywords

References

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