The use of TachoSil for the prevention of postoperative complications after groin dissection in cases of gynecologic malignancy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of TachoSil in preventing postoperative complications after groin dissection performed for primary or recurrent gynecologic malignancy.

METHODS

In a case-control analysis, the incidence of postoperative complications-including lymphocyst formation, wound breakdown and/or infection, and chronic lymphedema-was examined among 8 patients who received TachoSil and 16 controls (standard technique) treated for vulvar cancer or recurrent ovarian/breast cancer at San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, from 2008 to 2011.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight inguinal dissections were performed in the 24 patients. Bilateral groin dissection was performed in 14 patients (n=4 in the study group; n=10 in the control group). Patients in the study group had a lower mean daily drainage volume than those in the control group (133 mL [range, 50-356 mL] vs 320 mL [range, 67-472 mL]; P<0.001) and a lower incidence of lymphocyst requiring drainage (25.0% vs 62.5%), cellulitis (12.0% vs 25.0%), and wound infection (0.0% vs 25.0%).

CONCLUSION

The use of TachoSil seems to be effective in reducing the rate of postoperative complications after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in cases of gynecologic malignancy.