Arch Plast Surg.  2017 Jul;44(4):308-312. 10.5999/aps.2017.44.4.308.

The Role of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Latissimus Dorsi Flap Donor Site Seroma Prevention: A Cohort Study

• Angspatt A
• Laopiyasakul T
• Pungrasmi
• Suwajo P

• KMID: 2403932
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.44.4.308

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Donor site seroma is the most common complication after latissimus dorsi (LD) flap harvest. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in preventing donor site seroma formation after the harvest of an LD flap for breast reconstruction.
METHODS
In this prospective matched-pair study, 40 patients in whom an LD flap was harvested for breast reconstruction were enrolled. NPWT was used in 20 patients, and in a control group composed of another 20 patients, the conventional donor site dressing technique was used. Information was collected regarding postoperative complications, the incidence of seroma, total drainage volume, the number of percutaneous seroma aspirations, and the volume aspirated.
RESULTS
In the NPWT group, the incidence of seroma formation after drain removal was significantly lower than in the control group (15% vs. 70%; odds ratio=0.07; relative risk, 0.24). Both the mean percutaneous aspirated volume (P=0.004) and the number of percutaneous aspirations (P=0.001) were also significantly lower in the NPWT group. There were no significant differences in the total drainage volume or the duration of wound drainage between the NPWT dressing group and the control group (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that NPWT is a promising tool for reducing the incidence of seroma formation after removing the drain at the donor site after LD flap harvesting. It is a simple and safe technique.

Keyword

Mammaplasty; Surgical flaps; Superficial back muscles; Seroma; Negative-pressure wound therapy

MeSH Terms

Aspirations (Psychology)
Bandages
Cohort Studies*
Drainage
Female
Humans
Incidence
Mammaplasty
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy*
Postoperative Complications
Prospective Studies
Seroma*
Superficial Back Muscles*
Surgical Flaps
Tissue Donors*
Wounds and Injuries