Use of albumin polymers during breast cancer surgery improves postoperative seroma outcome.

ABSTRACT

The effect of an albumin polymer instillation (Bioglue® Cryolife, Inc., Kenneaw, GA, USA) during breast cancer surgery on postoperative seroma formation was evaluated. Two groups of 34 consecutive patients, treated during operation with and without polymer, were followed postoperatively by weekly ultrasound and clinical evaluation. Seroma was aspirated when the volume exceeded 250 mL. Statistical comparison between 33 of the patients with adhesive- and 32 with non-adhesive-treated patients showed that the former patient group clearly outperformed the latter in production (p<0.001) and duration (p<0.01) of seroma. Seroma outcome depended on body mass index (BMI) (>30 & <30, p<0.007), not on patient age (p<0.240) or nodes ratio (p<0.613). Repeated aspirations were made in 37.5% non-polymer treated- and 21.21% polymer-treated patients. The findings demonstrated that use of albumin polymers during breast cancer surgery lowers postoperative seroma outcome significantly.