Does Talc Reduce Seroma Formation after Mastectomy: A
Randomized Controlled Trial
Ronnarat Suvikapakornkul MD, MSc 1 , Rungkij Chaiteerakij MD 1 ,
Panuwat Lertsithichai MD, MSc 1 , Yodying Wasutit MD 1
Affiliation :
1 Breast and Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Background : The most common complication following mastectomy is seroma formation. Surgeons tend to leave the drain longer
to prevent seroma but it will increase rate of infection and patient’s discomfort.
Objective : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of talc in reducing drain volume and shorten duration of drain
in comparison to the routine care.
Materials and Methods : Patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy were randomly assigned to TALC and NON-TALC
group. For the TALC group, talc was applied in the mastectomy space, and none was given in the NON-TALC group. The total volume
of drain, day of leaving drain, seroma formation, complications and long-term recurrence were recorded.
Results : Fifty-two patients were randomly assigned in two groups equally. Talc did not show any correlation to the reduction of
drain fluid (910 mL for NON-TALC group vs. 912.5 mL for TALC group; p = 0.583). TALC and NON-TALC group demonstrated no
difference in duration of drainage (16.5 days vs. 15.5 days; p = 0.437). However, one seroma was found in NON-TALC. Overall, there
was no different loco-regional and distant recurrence in both groups.
Conclusion : There was no sufficient evidence to support the application of talc following mastectomy to reduce the drainage volume
and decrease the duration of draining.
Keywords : Mastectomy, Seroma, Drain, TALC
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