Concepts of seroma formation and prevention in breast cancer surgery

ABSTRACTSeroma is an accumulation of serous fluid that develops following the formation of skin flaps during mastectomy or in the axillary dead space in the immediate or acute postoperative period. This collection of serous fluid occurs at rates ranging from 3% to 85% after breast or axillary surgery Seromas can interfere with healing, require prolonged treatment, cause patient discomfort, and delay adjuvant treatment Traditional treatments for postmastectomy seroma are effective for most patients, and few studies have investigated the best management approach for patients with seroma. Common treatments include simple aspiration, drain replacement, or even observation if the seroma is small and not bothersomegeneral surgery