The prevalence of seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy: an observational analysis of risk factors

Background: Seroma, a medically apparent subcutaneous accumulation of effusion fluid after breast carcinoma, growing in 30% of patients. The main hurdle in breast cancer surgery is the formation of a seroma, with an unknown root cause. The objective of this study was to determine the relation between some elements connected with, modified radical mastectomy and seroma formation before the operative period, during the operative period, and after the operative period. Methods: This was an observational study including 200 female patients who were undergoing modified radical mastectomy at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi from January 2011 to December 2014. After the surgery, the patient was kept under observation for seroma formation. Chi square and t tests were used for the statistical analysis of this study. Results: Seroma formation was more prevalent in old-age patients and overweight patients. The more the initial drain volume the more will be the seroma formation. After the operation, arm physiotherapy was started. 40 patients of older age had the formation of seroma. 30 patients developed seroma whose tumor size was more than 3 cm. Conclusions: The occurrence of seroma was more prominent in older age patients and overweight patients. With prompt physiotherapy and flap fixation under muscles can reduce the occurrence of seroma formation and some interventions in the time of operation can help in decreasing seroma formation.