INTRODUCTION: Excision of soft tissue masses in the subcutaneous space is a common surgical procedure. Postoperative seromas may occur and often result in additional visits, procedures, and impaired wound healing. METHODS: A retrospective chart review (2001-2011) identified patients who underwent resection of a soft tissue mass in the subcutaneous tissues. Patients undergoing breast surgery, head and neck surgery, and lymph node dissections were excluded. Patients (n = 100) with seromas were identified. These patients were matched to patients not having postoperative seroma (n = 100). RESULTS: We identified 100 patients with seroma and 100 controls without seroma after soft tissue resection. Patients had no difference in wound characteristics. Patients with a dead space obliterating stitch were less likely to have a postoperative seroma (26% vs 74%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dead space closure was associated with a decreased rate of postoperative seroma in subcutaneous resections. Postoperative seroma was associated with increased cost and provider visits.
INTRODUCTION: Excision of soft tissue masses in the subcutaneous space is a common surgical procedure. Postoperative seromas may occur and often result in additional visits, procedures, and impaired wound healing. METHODS: A retrospective chart review (2001-2011) identified patients who underwent resection of a soft tissue mass in the subcutaneous tissues. Patients undergoing breast surgery, head and neck surgery, and lymph node dissections were excluded. Patients (n = 100) with seromas were identified. These patients were matched to patients not having postoperative seroma (n = 100). RESULTS: We identified 100 patients with seroma and 100 controls without seroma after soft tissue resection. Patients had no difference in wound characteristics. Patients with a dead space obliterating stitch were less likely to have a postoperative seroma (26% vs 74%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dead space closure was associated with a decreased rate of postoperative seroma in subcutaneous resections. Postoperative seroma was associated with increased cost and provider visits.
Authors: Marcos Eduardo Bercial; Miguel Sabino Neto; José Augusto Calil; Luis Antonio Rossetto; Lydia Masako Ferreira Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg Date: 2011-08-20 Impact factor: 2.326
Authors: Anthony Lucci; Linda Mackie McCall; Peter D Beitsch; Patrick W Whitworth; Douglas S Reintgen; Peter W Blumencranz; A Marilyn Leitch; Sukumal Saha; Kelly K Hunt; Armando E Giuliano Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2007-05-07 Impact factor: 44.544