Efficiency of Platelet Rich Plasma in Prevention of Seroma Formation in Patients with Mastectomy

Abstract

Objective: Seroma is the most frequent complication after breast surgery which may sometimes lead to delay in wound healing and adjuvant therapies. We aimed to investigate the effect of platelet rich plasma in patients performed mastectomy which is proved to be effective on wound healing.

Methods: Forty-one patients with breast cancer were included. All of them were performed mastectomy by the same surgical team and using electrocotery for flap dissection. After mastectomies and placing the drains, platelet rich plasma was sprayed on pectoralis muscle, under skin flaps, and incisions were closed by sutures routinely in 13 patients (study group). The control group (28 patients) and study group were followed-up by a blind surgeon to the groups and the drainage measures, drain removal dates and wound complications were recorded.

Results: There were no differences between the groups in terms of mean axillary and flap drainage amounts, mean axillary and flap drains’ removal dates, and aspirated seroma amounts after drain removal. No other complications as infection or flap necrosis were recorded in both groups.

Conclusion: In breast cancer, some complications related to surgery like poor wound healing and prolonged seroma formation, may cause delay in setting of adjuvant therapy. Platelet rich plasma is known to be effective in wound healing and we wanted to adapt its good sides for patients undergoing mastectomies. Although the results are promising in the study group, there were no differences statistically between two groups.