Sealants after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: good intentions but bad results.

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 2 surgical sealants on postsurgical drainage and lymphocele formation after axillary surgery for breast cancer.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized study. Seventy-seven consecutive patients with breast cancer were included and randomized into a control group (18F vacuum drain) and 2 study groups (18F vacuum drain plus COSEAL or BioGlue).

RESULTS

The 3 groups were matched. Neither postsurgical drainage nor time to drain removal was affected by the use of either of the 2 sealants. Although no statistically significant difference in lymphocele formation and wound infection was noted, complications caused by intense foreign-body reaction that led to surgical intervention occurred in both study groups.

COMMENTS: The use of surgical sealants is not recommended after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Complications of their use may lead to reoperation.