Sclerotherapy for the treatment of postmastectomy seroma

BACKGROUND: Seroma is a common complication after mastectomy. We review our experience with sclerotherapy for postmastectomy seroma management. METHODS: Patients who underwent outpatient sclerotherapy for postmastectomy seroma were reviewed. Ninety-five percent ethyl alcohol or povidone iodine, which was administered by way of percutaneous catheter, was the initial sclerosant, and dwell time was 20 to 30 minutes. Povidone iodine solution was instilled 2 to 3 times daily. Catheters were removed when output reached <30 mL/d or when cavity size was <20 ml by sinogram. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (18 seromas) had sclerotherapy initiated at median of 34 days after surgery. Mean number of treatment days was 3 (median duration 16). Seven patients (44%) developed infection during treatment, which was associated with increased duration. Three seromas recurred and were successfully treated with single aspiration. COMMENTS: Sclerotherapy is a feasible treatment for chronic seroma after mastectomy. Longer treatment duration was associated with infection; antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered. Research is necessary to determine optimal regimens and superiority over other approaches.     

Prevention of seroma formation after mastectomy and axillary dissection by lymph vessel ligation and dead space closure: a randomized trial

Introduction

We aimed to reduce the incidence of seroma formation by altering surgical technique.

Methods

Two hundred one breast cancer patients were randomly divided into 2 arms: arm 1 was operated on using an altered surgical technique, which is to ligate all of the tissue connecting axillary vein bundles to the specimen, to suture the anterior edge of the latissimus dorsi to the chest wall, and to fix the skin flap to the underlying muscle by subcutaneous sutures; arm 2 was operated on using the conventional technique.

Results

The drainage volume, in the initial 3 days, for patients in arm 1 was significantly less than that for patients in arm 2 (P < .01). The duration of drainage in arm 1 was shorter than that in arm 2 (P < .01). The incidence of seroma formation in arm 1 (2%) was significantly less than that in arm 2 (14%) (P < .01).

Conclusion

The modified operating technique is an effective approach to reducing the incidence of seroma formation after mastectomy and axillary dissection.     

Axillary Padding without Drainage after Axillary Lymphadenectomy - a Prospective Study of 299 Patients with Early Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: After lymphadenectomy for early breast cancer, seroma formation is a constant event requiring a suction drainage. This drainage is the strongest obstacle to reducing the hospital stay. Axillary padding without drainage appears to be a valuable option amid the various solutions for reducing the hospital stay. METHODS: We conducted a comparison between 114 patients with padding and 185 patients with drainage. Data were obtained from 2 successive prospective studies. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 2.4 days (range 1-4) in the padding group and 4.2 days (range 2-9) in the drainage group (p < 0.05). There were fewer needle aspirations for seroma in the padding group (8.8 vs. 23%, p < 0.05). At 6 weeks, only 28% (32/114) of the patients in the padding group reported pain versus 51% (94/185) in the drainage group. The mean pain intensity at 6 weeks was 3 and 4.3 respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Axillary padding without drainage was associated with a better post-operative course than suction drainage in this historical comparison, and the hospital stay was significantly shortened. There are only few series published on this new technique but they all indicate good feasibility and good tolerance. A large randomised multicentric evaluation is now warranted.     

Early removal of drains and discharge of breast cancer surgery patients: a controlled prospective clinical trial.

A prospective trial was conducted to see whether suction drains could safely be removed and patients discharged within 48 h of major breast surgery. Data from two consecutive groups of 50 patients each were compared. Statistical analysis confirmed demographic homogeneity between the two groups with regard to age, tumour size, lymph node involvement, grade of operating surgeon, procedures performed and the 48 h drainage volume. The first group of patients were discharged when drainage was considered acceptable (mean postoperative stay 4.5 days) (long stay). The second group had their drains removed and were discharged after 48 h (short stay). No seromas developed in either group when the total drainage volume (TDV) was less than 150 ml. Seromas developed in 3 (6%) of the long stay group and 5 (10%) of the short stay group (P > 0.05, chi 2 test). No seromas in either group required more than two aspirations. We conclude that it is safe to discharge patients after removal of drains on the 2nd postoperative day.     

肺叶切除术后早期拔除胸腔引流管的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的 探讨肺叶切除术后早期拔除胸腔引流管的指征以及其安全性.方法 将2012年3至9月70例肺叶切除术患者随机分为两组,其中41例于胸腔引流量≤300 ml/24 h时拔除引流管(早期组),29例于胸腔引流量≤100 ml/24 h时拔除引流管(常规组).记录两组术后24、48 h胸腔引流液的量和性状,检测术后24 h及拔管即刻的胸腔积液常规、生化指标;记录术后胸腔引流管留置时间及术后住院时间,评估术后及早期拔管后胸腔并发症的发生率、再次置管率及胸腔穿刺率.结果 两组患者一般资料、术后24 h胸腔积液常规和生化指标水平差异无统计学意义.全部70例患者术后24、48 h胸腔引流量中位数为300 ml(200～ 400 ml,第一、三四分位数,下同)、250 ml(200 ～300 ml)(Z=-2.059,P=0.039).早期组术后24、48 h平均胸腔引流量为(296±153) ml、(285±103) ml,与常规组(332±149) ml、(252±109) ml差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).早期组术后住院时间中位数为5.0 d(4.5～6.0d),短于常规组的6.0 d(6.0～8.0 d)(Z=-3.882,P=0.000).早期组拔管时间中位数为术后44 h(44 ～68 h),短于常规组的67 h(65 ～90 h)(Z=-2.914,P=0.004).两组术后及拔管后并发症发生率、胸腔积液复发率、再次置管率及胸腔穿刺率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 将术后拔除胸腔引流管的指征设定为引流量≤300 ml/24 h是可行并且安全有效的,有利于患者术后的快速康复.     

腹膜前引流对腹腔镜经腹腹膜前疝修补术患者术后血肿及血清肿的影响

目的探讨腹腔镜经腹腹膜前疝修补术（TAPP）放置腹膜前引流对术后血肿及血清肿的影响。 方法选取2016年6月至2018年5月,江苏省苏州市中西医结合医院收治的单侧腹股沟疝患者90例,随机分为试验组和对照组,2组患者均行TAPP手术。试验组放置腹膜前引流管,对照组不放置引流管。收集2组患者的一般资料、手术相关资料及随访资料进行统计学分析,对比2组患者术后血肿及血清肿发生率差异。 结果全部患者均完成手术及随访。2组患者的一般资料、疝位置、疝分型、手术时间、住院花费、术后住院时间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。2组患者的术后发热发生率、急性疼痛发生率差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。试验组术后血肿发生率明显低于对照组（P<0.05）,试验组患者术后1和3个月血清肿发生率明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。2组患者1年随访均观察到1例复发的病例,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;随访期内2组患者均未出现感染的病例。 结论TAPP中,放置腹膜前引流管能够有效降低患者术后血肿和血清肿的发生率,同时并不增加感染和复发风险。     

Gastric cancer surgery without drains: A prospective randomized trial

Prophylactic drain placement during major abdominal surgery has been widely practiced without clear scientific evidence to support it. We hypothesized that prophylactic drain placement is not necessary in gastric cancer surgery. A randomized prospective trial was conducted between February 1, 2001, and July 30, 2001. Patients were randomly assigned to either the drain group or the no-drain group. One hundred seventy patients completed the study by undergoing either subtotal or total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Surgical outcome between the two groups was compared within the subtotal and total gastrectomy subgroups. Postoperative complication within 30 days was the primary end point of the study. No significant difference was noted in the incidence of postoperative complication between the drain group and the no-drain group. The results of this study suggest that prophylactic drain placement does not offer additional benefit for patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery with extended lymph node dissection.     

Facilitating decision-making in women undergoing genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer: BRECONDA randomized controlled trial results

BackgroundDecision-making concerning risk-reducing mastectomy for women at hereditary risk of breast cancer entails complex personal choices. Deciding whether and how to restore breast shape after risk-reducing mastectomy is a key part of this process. We developed a web-based decision aid, BRECONDA (Breast Reconstruction Decision Aid), to assist women in decision-making regarding breast reconstruction.MethodThis study assessed the efficacy of BRECONDA to assist women at increased risk of breast cancer in making decisions regarding risk-reducing mastectomy in terms of decisional conflict, knowledge, and satisfaction with information. Women at hereditary risk of breast cancer (N = 64) were recruited into this randomized controlled trial from four Australian hereditary cancer clinics. Participants initially provided online consent and completed baseline questionnaires assessing decisional conflict, knowledge, and satisfaction with information. They were then randomly assigned to either: 1) Intervention – unlimited access to BRECONDA, with usual care; or, 2) Control – usual care. At 2-months follow-up (N = 60) the outcomes were re-assessed. Intervention participants also completed user acceptability ratings for the intervention overall and specific key modules.ResultsMANCOVA analyses indicated that Intervention participants reported lower decisional conflict (P = 0.027), and greater knowledge (P = 0.019) and satisfaction with information (P < 0.0005) at 2-months follow-up compared with Controls. Intervention participants reported high user acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention.ConclusionBRECONDA benefits women considering risk-reducing mastectomy by reducing decisional conflict, and improving knowledge and satisfaction with information. These benefits, coupled with high user acceptability, demonstrate the feasibility of implementing BRECONDA in the hereditary cancer risk context.     

Conversion to on pump from OPCAB is associated with increased mortality: results from a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Recent developments in cardiac stabilization devices, have made OPCAB feasible. However, there is conflicting evidence to date regarding the rate and adverse events associated with conversion from OPCAB to CABG with CPB. The objective of the present study was to review all conversions in the setting of a randomized controlled trial comparing CABG with or without CPB. METHODS: Three hundred patients requiring CABG surgery at a single institution were prospectively randomized to have the procedure performed with CPB (n=150) or OPCAB (n=150). Patients that could not be performed OPCAB were defined as conversion group (cross over). RESULTS: Twenty patients were converted from OPCAB to CABG with CPB because of hemodynamic instability (14/20), small target vessel (5/20), or inadequate visualization (1/20). Seventeen were converted during attempts at coronary anastomosis: LAD/diagonal (7/20), circumflex (8/20), or right coronary (2/20). The overall in hospital mortality rate for the trial was 1% but was significantly higher in converted patients (10 vs. 0%; P=0.01). Converted patients required significantly more inotropes (P=0.001) and blood transfusions (P=0.05). An elevated BMI was the only pre-operative variable that appeared to be associated with conversion. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of a randomized controlled trial the overall conversion rate associated with OPCAB reached 13% and was associated with an increased risk of mortality.     

Chest wall recurrence after mastectomy does not always portend a dismal outcome

Background: Chest wall recurrence (CWR) after mastectomy often forecasts a grim prognosis. Predictors of outcome after CWR, however, are not clear.Methods: From 1988 to 1998, 130 patients with isolated CWRs were seen at our center. Clinicopathologic factors were studied by univariate and multivariate analyses for distant metastasis–free survival after CWR. The median post-CWR follow-up was 37 months.Results: Initial nodal status was the strongest predictor of outcome by univariate analysis. Other significant factors included initial T4 disease, primary lymphovascular invasion, treatment of the primary tumor with neoadjuvant therapy or radiation, time to CWR >24 months, and treatment for CWR (surgery, radiation, or multimodality therapy). Multivariate analysis also found initial nodal status to have the greatest effect; time to CWR and use of radiation for CWR were also independent predictors. Three groups of patients were identified. Low risk was defined by initial node-negative disease, time to CWR >24 months, and radiation for CWR; intermediate risk had one or two favorable features; and high risk had none. The median distant metastasis–free survival after CWR was significantly different among these groups (P < .0001).Conclusions: Patients with CWR are a heterogeneous population. Patients with initial node-negative disease who develop CWR after 24 months have an optimistic prognosis, especially if they are treated with radiation.     

Breast reconstruction following prophylactic or therapeutic mastectomy for breast cancer: Recommendations from an evidence-based provincial guideline

The side effects of mastectomy can be significant. Breast reconstruction may alleviate some distress; however, there are currently no provincial recommendations regarding the integration of reconstruction with breast cancer therapy. The purpose of the present article is to provide evidence-based strategies for the management of patients who are candidates for reconstruction. A systematic review of meta-analyses, guidelines, clinical trials and comparative studies published between 1980 and 2013 was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Reference lists of publications were manually searched for additional literature. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse and SAGE directory, as well as guideline developers’ websites, were also searched. Recommendations were developed based on the available evidence. Reconstruction consultation should be made available for patients undergoing mastectomy. Tumour characteristics, cancer therapy, patient comorbidities, body habitus and smoking history may affect reconstruction outcomes. Although immediate reconstruction should be considered whenever possible, delayed reconstruction is acceptable when immediate is not available or appropriate. The integration of reconstruction and postmastectomy radiotherapy should be addressed in a multidisciplinary setting. The decision as to which type of procedure to perform (autologous or alloplastic with or without acellular dermal matrices) should be left to the discretion of the surgeons and the patient after providing counselling. Skin-sparing mastectomy is safe and appropriate. Nipple-sparing is generally not recommended for patients with malignancy, but could be considered for carefully selected patients. Immediate reconstruction requires resources to coordinate operating room time between the general and plastic surgeons, to provide supplies including acellular dermal matrices, and to develop the infrastructure needed to facilitate multidisciplinary discussions.     

Immediate breast reconstruction: results and satisfaction

Delayed breast reconstruction following mastectomy for cancer is widely accepted because of a high satisfaction rate. Immediate breast reconstruction offers an even more satisfactory solution, especially related to recovery and self-esteem. In our study, immediate breast reconstruction was performed for three indications: breast cancer, high risk for development of breast cancer and chronic cystic breast disease. Forty-eight consecutive patients with a mean age of 48 years were evaluated. In 37 cases malignant disease, in eight patients prophylaxis, and in three patients benign disease were the reasons for mastectomy. In 42 patients, primary reconstruction was performed, using tissue expanders, followed by prosthetic replacement. Of the other six patients, three were reconstructed with a definitive prosthesis and three with a musculocutaneous flap. At the end of the follow-up period, 42 patients had a definitive prosthesis and two patients had their breasts reconstructed with autologous tissue only. Four patients stopped the procedure following infection and extrusion of their implants. These infections accounted for an overall complication rate of 24%. After starting perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis from the 20th patient onwards, the complication rate was reduced to 12%. Thirty-three patients could be interviewed to assess satisfaction: nine patients were very satisfied, 18 were satisfied and six were moderately satisfied with the end result. Thus, 82% of the patients were satisfied. Received: 30 December 1999 / Accepted: 3 February 2000     

The effect of postmastectomy radiation therapy on high-risk patients with T1-2N0 breast cancer

BackgroundThe prognostic impact of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) on high-risk patients with T1-2N0 breast cancer is controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect of PMRT on high-risk patients with T1-2N0 breast cancer.MethodsA total of 3439 patients diagnosed with T1-2N0 breast cancer who received mastectomy between 2000 and 2016 in our institute were retrospectively analyzed. Leveraging the Fine and Gray competing risks regression in unirradiated patients, risk factors of locoregional recurrence (LRR) were identified. All patients were stratified into high-risk (3 or 4 risk factors) and low-risk (no more than 2 risk factors) groups. The prognostic effect of PMRT was estimated in two subgroups. This subgroup analysis was also performed in patients with T2N0 breast cancer.ResultsThe median follow-up was 89 months. The 5-year cumulative incidence of LRR was 2.2% in unirradiated patients. Tumor size, estrogen receptor (ER) status, histologic grade and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were identified as independent risk factors of LRR. In the high-risk group, PMRT was correlated with a 8.3% risk reduction of 5-year LRR, 7.8% risk reduction of 5-year distant recurrence (DR), and 6.4% risk reduction of 5-year breast cancer mortality (BCM), whereas it was not correlated with LRR, DR, or BCM in low-risk group. In patients with T2N0 breast cancer, PMRT was associated with decreased LRR, DR and BCM in high-risk group, other than low-risk group.ConclusionsPMRT presented heterogenous effect on patients with T1-2N0 breast cancer. Patients at high risk of LRR were more likely to benefit from PMRT.     

Early benefit of preserved cognitive function is not sustained at one-year after cardiac surgery: a longitudinal follow-up of the randomized controlled trial

Purpose

Recently, we showed that processing of shed blood with a continuous-flow cell saver during cardiopulmonary bypass resulted in a clinically significant reduction in postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) six weeks after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The current study examined if the early benefit of reduced POCD was sustained in the same patient population at one-year follow-up.

Methods

One hundred seventy patients (cell saver group, n?=?84; controls, n?=?86) underwent neuropsychological testing at baseline and one year after surgery. The raw scores for each test were converted to Z-scores, and a combined Z-score of ten main variables was then calculated for each study group.

Results

Postoperative cognitive decline was present in 16 of 84 (19%) patients in the cell saver group (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8 to 27.2) vs 15 of 86 (17.4%) patients in the control group (95% CI, 9.6 to 25.2) (P?=?0.786). Six of the 15 patients in the control group with POCD at six weeks had the impairment at one year and five did not; four were lost to follow-up. Three of the six cell saver patients with POCD at six weeks still had impairment at one year, two did not, and one was not tested. Thirteen (15.4%) and nine (10.5%) patients in the cell saver and control groups, respectively, developed new POCD which was not evident at the six-week follow-up.

Conclusions

The short-term preservation of cognitive function in elderly patients using the cell saver management strategy did not translate into a long-term benefit one year after CABG surgery. The presence of progressing cerebrovascular disease may be responsible for the long-term cognitive decline. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00193999).     

Evaluations of aesthetic outcomes of oncoplastic surgery by surgeons of different gender and specialty: a prospective controlled study

This prospective trial was designed to assess aesthetic outcomes of oncoplastic surgery. Standardized photographs were taken of 45 breast cancer patients undergoing oncoplastic surgery, preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively (oncoplastic group), and of 45 patients treated by conservative surgery without breast reconstruction (control group). Photographs were assessed by senior male and female physicians, 2 breast surgeons and 2 plastic surgeons. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using patients’ own assessments (rated 0 to 10) and scoring by panelists (using 0 to 10 global rating scales and a subscales system). Patients in both groups scored the aesthetic outcomes better than physicians did. Panelists and patients considered aesthetic outcomes of oncoplastic group better than control group outcomes. Patients and plastic surgeons attributed progressively higher grades to outcomes of oncoplastic group at 6 and 12 months postoperatively; breast surgeons did not. Overall, female physicians and breast surgeons scored better the aesthetic outcomes of both groups.     

Concurrent prophylactic left atrial appendage exclusion: results from a randomized controlled trial pilot study

Objective: The left atrial appendage is a significant source of cardioembolic thrombi. Open mitral valve surgery presents an opportune time to exclude this appendage from cardiovascular circulation. However, sparse randomized trial support exists for this concomitant procedure. We therefore designed a randomized controlled trial to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of concomitant left atrial appendage exclusion. This report details early outcomes of the pilot trial. Methods: Forty-three patients were randomized to either undergo concomitant suture exclusion of their left atrial appendage under direct vision or not during their open mitral valve surgery. Clinical and biochemical postoperative outcomes, including hemodynamic and hemostatic parameters, were analyzed. Results: There were no deaths in either group. The incidence of cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, and acute renal injury were similar between groups; a composite outcome of 10 major postoperative complications occurred in 32% of the left atrial appendage exclusion group versus 38% of the control group (p = 0.75). Intensive care (median stay 2 days vs 1 day in the control group, p = 0.55) and hospital lengths of stay (median stay 9 days in both groups, p = 0.98) were also similar between groups. Specifically, no additional hemodynamic alterations (need for intra-aortic balloon pump in 1 vs 2 patients in the control group, p = 0.61) or hemostatic complications (no re-operations for bleeding in either group, need for blood product transfusion in 2 vs 1 patient in the control group, p = 1.0) were noted in the left atrial appendage exclusion group. Conclusions: This pilot trial demonstrates the safety of and feasibility of a larger trial powered to detect clinically relevant short- and long-term outcomes of concomitant left atrial appendage exclusion with open mitral valve surgery.     

Use of double-J stents prior to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is not beneficial: results of a prospective randomized study

Objectives Since introduction of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating patients with urinary tract stones in our clinic for the first time in our city Aden 5 years ago, we stented all patients with kidney stone >1 cm routinely before the procedure. Our aim of this study is to compare symptoms and complications of patients with and without stenting. Patients and methods In 2003, 120 patients with renal stone(s) amenable to ESWL management were prospectively treated in two groups: stented (60 patients) and unstented (60 patients). All patients were admitted for 48 h after ESWL and then followed for 3 months after discharge by the same treating group of doctors. Patients were followed-up radiographically to assess stone-free rate after 1 and 3 months. Results There was no statistical difference in flank or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, transient hematuria, temperature or use of analgesics on the first and second day after ESWL in the stented or unstented group. Fifty-one patients (85%) of stented group complained of side effects attributable to stent including urinary frequency and urgency, bladder pain and hematuria with urination, which in all patients but 3 of them were treated as out patient and one of the unstented group, who were readmitted because of mild to severe pain, fever, and chills. In all stented patients, we removed the stents after 2 weeks; except in readmitted patients where it was removed earlier. Plain X-ray film was done for all patients after one and 3 months. Eight patients with stents (6.7%) had >5 mm residual fragments. In these patients second ESWL session was necessary. Three months stone-free rate was 88% in stented and 91% in unstented group, respectively. Conclusion The use of double-J stents prior to ESWL treatment is not beneficial.