Occurrence, Predictors, and Management of Late Vascular Complications following Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications (VC) associated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) during index hospitalization are prevalent and associated with increased mortality. Few studies have evaluated late VC following ECMO; this study aims to assess occurrence and management practices of late VC following discharge. METHODS: A retrospective single-institution review was performed of all patients surviving initial hospitalization after being cannulated for central or peripheral veno-venous (VV) or veno-arterial (VA) ECMO between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2020. Primary outcomes were to categorize and determine the rate late VC. Late VCs were defined as any cannulated vessel injury resulting from ECMO cannulation presenting after discharge from index hospitalization. Analysis was conducted by cannulated vessel and stratified by VV or VA ECMO configurations. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients were identified, of which 50.6% (n=116) survived until discharge. Late VC occurred in 7.8% of the surviving cohort (n=9/116); with a median time until presentation of 150 days (IQR 83-251). The most common late VC was infection (n=5, 55.6%) followed by progression to limb threatening ischemia (n=4, 44.4%). Urgent procedures were required in 55.6% of patients (n=5), while 44.4% (n=4) were elective interventions. Interventions performed for management of late VC included lower extremity arterial revascularization (n=6, 66.7%), major (n=1, 11.1%) or minor amputation (n=1, 11.1%), and wound debridement (n=1, 11.1%). The majority of patients presenting with late VC had initially been cannulated for peripheral-VA ECMO (n=8, 88.9%) and 1 patient (11.1%) was cannulated for peripheral-VV ECMO. VC during index hospitalization were seen in 77.8% (n=7) of patients returning with late VC. Odds for late VC were significantly increased in patients that had been cannulated for ECMO as part of extracorporeal-cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) (OR 8.4, p=0.016) and in cases were patient had experienced an index VC during index hospitalization (OR 19.3, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Late vascular complications after peripheral ECMO cannulation are not rare, particularly after arterial cannulation. Patients should be followed closely early after surviving ECMO with wound evaluation and formal assessment of perfusion with ankle-branchial indices in the cannulated limb.

Short-term outcomes of a multicentre prospective study using a "visible" polyvinylidene fluoride onlay mesh for the prevention of midline incisional hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Prophylactic meshes in high-risk patients prevent incisional hernias, although there are still some concerns about the best layer to place them in, the type of fixation, the mesh material, the significance of the level of contamination, and surgical complications. We aimed to provide answers to these questions and information about how the implanted material behaves based on its visibility under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHOD: This is a prospective multicentre observational cohort study. Preliminary results from the first 3 months are presented. We included general surgical patients who had at least two risk factors for developing an incisional hernia. Multivariate logistic regression was used. A polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh loaded with iron particles was used in an onlay position. MRIs were performed 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Between July 2016 and June 2022, 185 patients were enrolled in the study. Surgery was emergent in 30.3% of cases, contaminated in 10.7% and dirty in 11.8%. A total of 5.6% of cases had postoperative wound infections, with the requirement of stoma being the only significant risk factor (OR = 7.59, p = 0.03). The formation of a seroma at 6 weeks detected by MRI, was associated with body mass index (OR = 1.13, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic use of onlay PVDF mesh in midline laparotomies in high-risk patients was safe and effective in the short term, regardless of the type of surgery or the level of contamination. MRI allowed us to detect asymptomatic seromas during the early process of integration. STUDY REGISTRATION:  This protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03105895).

Mid-term prognosis of endoscopic debridement combined with percutaneous cutaneo-fascial suture for the treatment of Morel-Lavallée lesion: a minimum 3-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a closed soft-tissue degloving injurie resulting from shear forces. With the advent of endoscopic technology and advancements in surgical techniques, innovative solutions are now available. However, there are few data on mid-term results after treatment of MLL, especially regarding arthroscopic method. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic debridement combined with percutaneous cutaneo-fascial suture in treating MLL. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted at a university teaching hospital investigating patients who underwent arthroscopic management of Morel-Lavallée lesion between 2014 and 2020.Patient demographics, postoperative recovery time, peri- and postoperative complications were investigated. Mid-term follow up clinical and radiological examinations were performed. RESULTS: The retrospective study included 38 patients aged between 11 and 90 years, with an average age of 50.9 ± 16.9 years. These patients waited an average of 36.6±23.5days to return to work after operation. The average time to follow-up was from 3 to 9 years, averaging 5.0 ± 1.8 years. At the end of follow-up, only one complication of superficial skin necrosis occurred, accounting for 2.6%. The imaging assessment at the final follow-up indicated improvement over the postoperative period for all 38patients. CONCLUSION: In mid-term experience, endoscopic debridement combined with percutaneous cutaneo-fascial suture for MLL management is a safe and effective option.

Endoscopic-assisted repair of combined ventral hernias and diastasis recti: minimizing seroma incidence by quilting.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the incidence of seromas, we have adapted the quilting procedure used in open abdominoplasty to the endoscopic-assisted repair of concomitant ventral hernia (VH) and diastasis recti (DR). The aim of this study was to describe the technique and assess its efficacy by comparing two groups of patients operated on with the same repair technique before and after introducing the quilting. METHODS: This retrospective study included data prospectively registered in the French Club Hernie database from 176 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for concomitant VH and DR via the double-layer suturing technique. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group 1 comprised 102 patients operated before introducing the quilting procedure and Group 2 comprised 74 operated after introducing the quilting. To carry out comparisons between groups, seromas were classified into two types: type A included spontaneously resorbable seromas and seromas drained by a single puncture and type B included seromas requiring two or more punctures and complicated cases requiring reoperation. RESULTS: The global percentage of seromas was 24.4%. The percentage of seromas of any type was greater in Group 1 (27.5%) than in Group 2 (20.3%). The percentage of Type B seromas was greater in Group 1 (19.6%) than in Group 2 (5.4%), when the percentage of Type A seromas was greater in Group 2 (14.9) than in Group 1 (7.9%). Differences were significant (p = 0.014). The operation duration was longer in Group 2 (83.9 min) than in Group 1 (69.9 min). Four complications requiring reoperation were observed in Group 1: three persistent seromas requiring surgical drainage under general anesthesia and one encapsulated seroma. CONCLUSION: Adapting the quilting technique to the endoscopic-assisted bilayer suturing technique for combined VH and DR repair can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative seromas.

Total Sealing Technique (TST) with a bipolar vessel sealing system reduces lymphorrhea and seroma formation for axillary lymph node dissection in primary breast cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of a novel surgical procedure, the Total Sealing Technique (TST), using the latest bipolar vessel sealing system (BVSS; LigaSure™ Exact Dissector) to reduce lymphatic leakage and seroma formation after electrocautery axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in breast cancer surgery. Prolonged drainage is a common occurrence after ALND, primarily due to lymphatic leakage. In addition, the presence of seroma often leads to delays in the administration of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy even after drain removal. Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of 36 patients who underwent total mastectomy with ALND using conventional electrocautery technique (CONV) during the first 3 years, and 35 patients who underwent the same procedure using TST during the subsequent 3 years. The following factors were compared to assess the impact of TST: operation time, blood loss, total drainage volume, mean time to drain removal, postoperative hospital stay, mean time to initiation of postoperative chemotherapy, and postoperative complications in each group. Results: TST significantly reduced drainage volume (360.5 vs. 820.6 mL, p < 0.001), days to drain removal (4.8 vs. 6.8 days, p < 0.001), postoperative hospital stay (5.9 vs. 9.6 days, p < 0.001), the incidence of seroma (28.6 % vs. 65.9 %, p = 0.001), and time to chemotherapy initiation (33.1 vs. 61.4 days, p < 0.001) compared to CONV. Conclusions: TST in total mastectomy with ALND effectively decreases the incidence of lymphorrhea and seroma formation; thus, it can be recommended for total mastectomy with ALND.

Comparison of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) Hernioplasty With Laparoscopic IPOM-Plus: Our Initial Experience in Pakistan.

Objectives Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh hernioplasty (IPOM) for ventral hernias has been used for a long time. However, there have been some issues associated with it, thereby leading to the introduction of a new technique that involves laparoscopic closure of the fascial defect with suture followed by intraperitoneal onlay mesh placement (IPOM-Plus). We carried out this study to compare the outcome of laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure versus without defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair in terms of recurrence. Methodology This comparative study was carried out in the Department of Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore, from October 16, 2020, to April 15, 2022. A total of 84 patients of both genders, aged between 18 and 70 years, presenting with midline ventral hernia were included in the study. Patients with recurrent hernia, unstable cardiopulmonary conditions, neurological or psychiatric diseases, chronic renal disease, congestive cardiac failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were excluded from the study. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 underwent IPOM with the closure of the defect, and Group 2 underwent IPOM without the closure of the defect. Patients were observed for immediate postoperative complications. Patients were monitored for one year to assess recurrence through clinical evaluation and ultrasonography. Results In this study, seroma formation was found in 3 (7.14%) patients for laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure and 10 (23.81%) in those undergoing laparoscopic IPOM without defect closure (P-value = 0.035). Recurrence was identified in 2 (4.76%) patients undergoing laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure and 9 (21.43%) in those undergoing laparoscopic IPOM without defect closure (P-value = 0.024). Conclusions This study concluded that the frequency of recurrence is less after laparoscopic IPOM with fascial defect closure in midline ventral hernia repair than after laparoscopic IPOM without fascial defect closure.

Nonadherence of Polyurethane Implants: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Biointegration of polyurethane (PU) implants providing their stable position years after surgery ensures predictable results of breast augmentation and reconstruction almost eliminating implant factor as a cause of complications. However, in rare cases PU implants appear to be not connected to the surrounding tissues. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of PU implant nonadherence after primary breast augmentations and augmentation mastopexies with dual plane implant position, to analyze possible causes, and to propose preventive measures and treatment possibilities of this complication. Methods The results of primary aesthetic surgeries in 333 patients with dual plane PU implant placement were analyzed. Patients were evaluated clinically, and pictures and videos taken in different periods after the surgery were compared. Particular attention was given to the changes in implant position and the appearance of asymmetries over time. Results PU implant nonadherence was found in seven patients. It can be divided into primary and secondary and may be complete or partial. Primary nonadherence was found in two cases (0.6%), and secondary in five (1.5%) cases. Possible influencing factors could have been traumatic surgical technique, seroma, hematoma, or physical trauma. The average follow-up was 33 months (1 month-15 years). Conclusion Biointegration is mandatory for the long-term predictable results with PU implants. PU implant nonadherence leads to implant malposition and may cause typical complications connected to non-PU implants. Improvements in surgical maneuvers, manufacturing process, and weight reduction of the implant may be beneficial for the stability of the results. Level of Evidence V.

The Prevention of Seroma Formation Following Modified Radical Mastectomy by Intravenous Hydrocortisone Injection.

Introduction Seroma formation is the most common complication after modified radical mastectomy (MRM). It leads to increased pain and discomfort, potentially prolonging morbidity and treatment. Various treatment modalities are being used to decrease the incidence of seroma formation. The objective of this study was to compare intravenous hydrocortisone injection versus placebo in patients undergoing MRM in terms of frequency of post-operative seroma formation. Methods This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted at Surgical Unit-I, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 152 female patients were randomly assigned to each of the study and placebo groups. Group I patients received 100 mg of hydrocortisone intravenously while group II patients received one ml of 0.9% normal saline intravenously prior to induction of general anesthesia for MRM. The incidence of seroma formation after 10 days of MRM and total drain volume till their removal was measured in all patients. Results The mean age was 48.42±10.15 in Group I, while it was 47.67±10.75 in Group II. Mean drain output till removal was 99.14±31.01 ml in the hydrocortisone group and 177.57±63.37 ml in the placebo group. Forty-eight patients developed seroma (31.58%), of whom nine received intravenous hydrocortisone and 39 received normal saline (P=0.000). Conclusion Intravenous hydrocortisone is effective in terms of frequency of post-operative seroma formation as compared to placebo in patients undergoing MRM.

Bioglass/ceria nanoparticle hybrids for the treatment of seroma: a comparative long-term study in rats.

Background: Seroma formation is a common postoperative complication. Fibrin-based glues are typically employed in an attempt to seal the cavity. Recently, the first nanoparticle (NP)-based treatment approaches have emerged. Nanoparticle dispersions can be used as tissue glues, capitalizing on a phenomenon known as 'nanobridging'. In this process, macromolecules such as proteins physically adsorb onto the NP surface, leading to macroscopic adhesion. Although significant early seroma reduction has been shown, little is known about long-term efficacy of NPs. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of NPs in reducing seroma formation, and to understand their underlying mechanism. Methods: Seroma was surgically induced bilaterally in 20 Lewis rats. On postoperative day (POD) 7, seromas were aspirated on both sides. In 10 rats, one side was treated with NPs, while the contralateral side received only NP carrier solution. In the other 10 rats, one side was treated with fibrin glue, while the other was left untreated. Seroma fluid, blood and tissue samples were obtained at defined time points. Biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments were made. Results: NP-treated sides showed no macroscopically visible seroma formation after application on POD 7, in stark contrast to the fibrin-treated sides, where 60% of the rats had seromas on POD 14, and 50% on POD 21. At the endpoint (POD 42), sides treated with nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited significant macroscopic differences compared to other groups, including the absence of a cavity, and increased fibrous adhesions. Histologically, there were more macrophage groupings and collagen type 1 (COL1) deposits in the superficial capsule on NP-treated sides. Conclusion: NPs not only significantly reduced early manifestations of seroma and demonstrated an anti-inflammatory response, but they also led to increased adhesion formation over the long term, suggesting a decreased risk of seroma recurrence. These findings highlight both the adhesive properties of NPs and their potential for clinical therapy.

Primary abandonment of the sac in the management of scrotal hernias: a dual-institution experience of short-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: Management of scrotal hernias presents as a common challenge, with operative interventions to address these hernias associated with higher rates of morbidity compared to those of less-complex pathology. Surgeons have advocated for the use of techniques such as primary abandonment of the distal sac as a potential means to reduce complications for operative intervention, with preliminary findings demonstrating feasibility. We sought to assess outcomes related to primary sac abandonment among patients undergoing minimally invasive (MIS) repair of scrotal hernias. METHODS: A review of prospectively maintained databases among two academic hernia centers was conducted to identify patients who underwent MIS inguinal hernia repairs with primary sac abandonment. Patient demographics, hernia risk factors, intraoperative factors, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Short-term outcomes related to patient-reported experiences and surgical-site occurrences requiring procedural intervention were queried. RESULTS: Sixty-seven male patients [median age: 51.6 years; interquartile range (IQR): 45-65 years] underwent inguinal hernia repair with primary sac abandonment. Anatomic polypropylene mesh was used in 98.5% cases. Rates of postoperative complications were low and included postoperative urinary retention (6%), clinically identified or patient-reported seromas/hematomas within a 30-day follow-up period (23.9%), deep venous thrombosis (1.5%), and pelvic hematoma (1.5%). No seromas or hematomas necessitated procedural interventions, with resolution of symptoms within three months of their operation date. CONCLUSION: We report a multi-center experience of patients managed with primary abandonment of the sac technique during repair of inguinoscrotal hernias. Utilization of this technique appears to be safe and reproducible with a low burden of short-term complications.

Outcomes and complications of postoperative seroma cavities following soft-tissue sarcoma resection.

Introduction: Seroma development is a known complication following extremity and trunk soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) resection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and characterize seroma outcomes and the development of associated complications. Methods: A retrospective review of 123 patients who developed postoperative seromas following STS resection at a single institution was performed. Various patient and surgical factors were analyzed to determine their effect on overall seroma outcomes. Results: 77/123 seromas (62.6%) were uncomplicated, 30/123 (24.4%) developed infection, and 16/123 (13.0%) were symptomatic and required aspiration or drainage for symptom relief at an average of 12.2 months postoperatively. 65/123 (52.8%) seromas resolved spontaneously at an average time of 12.41 months. Seromas in the lower extremity (p=0.028), surgical resection volume >864 cm3, (p=<0.001) and initial seroma volume >42 cm3 (p=<0.001) increased the likelihood of infection. 90% of infected seromas developed the infection within the first three months following initial resection. No seromas which were aspirated or drained ultimately developed an infection following these procedures, though 50% recurred. Discussion: Most seromas following STS resection are uncomplicated and do not require intervention, though a large resection cavity >864 cm3 and a large seroma volume >42 cm3 are risk factors for complications.

[Use of meglumine sodium succinate and NPWT therapy in the treatment of early and late complications of cholelistics]. / Ispol'zovanie meglyumina natriya suktsinata i NRWT-terapii v lechenii rannikh i pozdnikh oslozhnenii zhelchnokamennoi bolezni.

Gallstone disease remains an important medical and socially significant problem due to the increase in the proportion of patients of young and working age. At the same time, along with the increase in incidence, the number of complicated forms, such as choledocholithiasis in combination with stenosing duodenal papillitis (SDP) and obstructive jaundice, is increasing, which increases the importance of surgical approaches in the complex treatment of the disease and expands the range of conservative methods of therapy. In the given clinical observation of a young patient with severe cholelithiasis, accompanied by early and late complications, including the formation of postoperative scars and ventral hernias. At the last of the described stages of treatment during allohernioplasty, a complication developed in the form of a seroma followed by phlegmon of the anterior abdominal wall in the area of the implant, which served as the basis for including both local (NPWT therapy) and general (a course of infusions of a succinate-containing drug) methods in the treatment regimen, which contributed to more pronounced positive dynamics of the patient's condition.

The effect of internal orifice narrowing in laparoscopic inguinoscrotal hernia repair to prevent seroma formation: a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Seroma represents the most prevalent postoperative complication following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, particularly in the case of large inguinoscrotal hernias. This randomized controlled trial was undertaken with the objective of assessing the effects of internal orifice narrowing achieved by suturing the divided distal hernia sac in laparoscopic repair of indirect inguinoscrotal hernias. METHODS: A total of 58 patients aged 18 years or older, were randomized into two groups: Group I, which underwent internal orifice narrowing, and Group II, which served as the control without narrowing. The study's primary endpoint was the incidence and volume of seroma in the inguinal region on postoperative days 1 and 7, as well as at 1, 3, and 6 months following the procedure. Secondary outcomes encompassed metrics like total operative time, acute and chronic pain levels, duration of hospital stay, recurrence rates, and the occurrence of any additional complications. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, the experimental group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of seroma formation at 7 days (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the ultrasonic assessment indicated a reduced seroma volume in the operative group on postoperative day 7 (8.84 ± 17.71 vs. 52.39 ± 70.78 mL; P < 0.001). Acute pain levels and hospital stay were similar between the two groups (1.22 ± 0.76 vs. 1.04 ± 0.53, P = 0.073; 1.22 ± 0.07 vs. 1.19 ± 0.08, P = 0.627, respectively). Notably, neither chronic pain nor early recurrence, nor any other postoperative complications were observed in either group throughout the follow-up period, which extended for at least 6 months (range: 6-18 months). CONCLUSION: In the context of laparoscopic inguinoscrotal hernia repair, the incidence and volume of seroma can be significantly reduced through the implementation of internal orifice narrowing achieved by suturing the divided distal hernia sac. And, this reduction in seroma formation was not associated elevation in postoperative pain levels or recurrence rates.

Abdominoplasty after massive weight loss. Safety preservation fascia technique and clinical outcomes in a large single series-comparative study.

Introduction: Weight loss after bariatric surgery causes very important modifications to the patient's silhouette. Abdominal fat and skin excess reduction are associated with several complications. The most frequent are seroma and hematoma whereas major complications, such as pulmonary embolism, are less frequent. This study aimed to describe our technical procedure for abdominoplasty in patients with massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. Methods: In total, 196 patients were included. All patients who underwent abdominoplasty classic (group A) and abdominoplasty with the preservation and lift of Scarpa fascia (group B) and with umbilical transposition between May 2018 and May 2021 were included. Patients with concomitant correction of ventral hernia were excluded. Demographic and operative data were analyzed according to comorbidities and postoperative complications. Results: There were 160 (81.6%) women. The mean age was 43.6 years; the mean weight was 86.7 kg; and the mean BMI was 28.6 kg/m2. Five patients (2.5%) presented postoperative seroma. Four patients (2%) presented partial dehiscence/skin necrosis one of them requiring a revision. Finally, 26 patients presented a postoperative complication, with an overall incidence of 12.6%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3.6. The rates of seroma were significantly higher in men, patients with a BMI > 30 kg/m2, and aged >50 years. Conclusion: Preserving Scarpa Fascia during surgical post-bariatric patient procedures reduces the seroma formation and the scar complication and reduces the tension of the inguinal-pubic region with correction of our deformation after weight loss. Improves reducing the drain and reducing seroma incidence suction and hospital stay.

Seroma control in axillary lymphadenectomy with Glubran 2® without drain. Multicenter, prospective, randomized, clinical trial. GALA-ND study (Glubran, Axillary Lymphadenectomy, Ambulatory, No Drain).

BACKGROUND: Seroma after breast cancer surgery is a frequent entity; therefore, different products have been described in literature with the aim to reduce it. The most studied ones have been the sealants products, being tested with aspirative drains. Symptomatic seroma represents the 19% after axillary lymphadenectomy without drains. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of a sealant in the seroma control after axillary lymphadenectomy without drains and identify the risk factors related to symptomatic seroma. METHODS: This is a prospective, multicenter, international, and randomized clinical trial. Patients undergoing conservative surgery and axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer will be randomized to control group (lymphadenectomy without sealant) or interventional group (lymphadenectomy with sealant Glubran 2®). In any of the study groups, drains are placed. Patients who received neoadjuvant treatment are included. Measurements of the study outcomes will take place at baseline; at 7, 14, and 30 days post-surgery; and at 6-12 months. The primary outcome is symptomatic seroma. Secondary outcomes are seroma volume, morbidity, quality of life, and lymphedema. DISCUSSION: Several studies compare the use of sealant products in axillary lymphadenectomy but generally with drains. We would like to demonstrate that patients who underwent axillary lymphadenectomy could benefit from an axillary sealant without drains and reduce axillary discomfort while maintaining a good quality of life. Assessing the relationship between axillary volume, symptoms, and related risk factors can be of great help in the control of seroma in patients who received breast cancer surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05280353. Registration date 02 August 2022.

Silver nitrate: a novel therapeutic approach for refractory Seroma following body malodor surgery.

Seroma, a fluid collection that can develop after surgery, can be a challenging complication to manage. Conventional treatment options, such as quilting suture and drainage tubes, may not be effective in resolving refractory seromas. This article presents two cases of refractory seroma after axillary osmidrosis surgery that were successfully treated with silver nitrate. Silver nitrate, a topical agent with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, has been shown to be effective in treating perianal fistulas and persistent tracheocutaneous fistulas. In both cases presented here, silver nitrate resulted in complete seroma resolution within 7 and 14 days, respectively. This study suggests that silver nitrate may be a promising treatment option for refractory seroma after axillary osmidrosis surgery. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and establish optimal dosage and treatment protocols.

Seroma formation after mastectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of different flap fixation techniques.

Flap fixation is the most promising solution to prevent seroma formation after mastectomy. In this systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA), three different techniques were compared. The NMA included 25 articles, comprising 3423 patients, and revealed that sutures are superior to tissue glue in preventing clinically significant seroma. In addition, running sutures seemed to be superior to interrupted sutures. An RCT comparing these suture techniques seems necessary, given the quality and nature of existing literature.

Postoperative Complications Following Lumpectomy With Intraoperative X-Ray Radiation Therapy: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Lumpectomy with intraoperative radiation (IORT) is a relatively new modality for the treatment of early breast cancer. IORT delivers targeted radiation to the tumor bed and obviates the need for external beam radiation (EBRT) in 85% of the cases. IORT is being used increasingly around the world, however information regarding early and late postoperative complications associated with the procedure is limited. AIM: To describe and compare complication rates after lumpectomy and IORT with those seen after lumpectomy and EBRT or lumpectomy alone. METHODS: Clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected from electronic medical records and a retrospectively maintained database. Postoperative complications were compared for patients undergoing lumpectomy with IORT, lumpectomy with EBRT, and lumpectomy alone over the same period. RESULTS: A total of 445 patients were included in the study: 113 underwent lumpectomy with IORT, 253 had lumpectomy followed by EBRT, and 79 had Lumpectomy alone. Postoperative seroma was documented in 74 patients (65%) after IORT,87 (34%) after EBRT, and 9 (11%) after lumpectomy alone (P = .000). Surgical site infection requiring antibiotic treatment was diagnosed in 26 patients (23%) after IORT, 38 (15%) after EBRT, and 5 (6%) after lumpectomy alone (P = .013). Postoperative erythema was documented in 39 patients (34%) after IORT, 40 (16%) after EBRT, and 5 (6%) after lumpectomy alone (P = .000). Postoperative minor complications such as scar and breast deformity, edema, Mondor's syndrome, and chronic tenderness, were documented in 62 patients (55%) after IORT, 119 (47%) after EBRT, and 13 (17%) after lumpectomy alone (P = .000). The average follow-up was 14 months. CONCLUSIONS: IORT is associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications compared to EBRT or lumpectomy alone. Most complications are minor and transient. We hypothesize that the increased occurrence of complications may also be attributed to overreporting, which is associated with the introduction of a new technology. Educating physicians and patients about potential complications and their course may help establish expectations and improve the management of postoperative complications.

Drain-free mastectomy and flap fixation: The interim analysis of a randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Flap fixation after mastectomy has proven to be one of the most promising solutions to reduce seroma formation. Drain placement remains standard practice in many clinics, even though this may be redundant after flap fixation. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing mastectomy and wound closure using flap fixation with or without drain placement. The primary outcome measure was clinically significant seroma (CSS) incidence. The aim of this interim analysis was to assess the assumptions for the sample size calculation and to provide preliminary results. RESULTS: Between July 2020 and January 2023, 112 patients were included. CSS incidence was 9.1% in the drain group and 21% in the no-drain group. In total, 10 patients were lost to follow-up. These numbers are similar to the ones used for the sample size calculation. In the drain group, three patients required interventions for wound complications compared to nine in the no-drain group (odds ratio: 3.612 [95% confidence interval: 0.898-14.537]). CONCLUSION: The sample size calculation seems to be correct and no protocol amendments are necessary. Current preliminary results show no significant differences in CSS incidence. Complete results should be awaited to draw a well-powered conclusion regarding drain policy after mastectomy.