Risk Factors for Donor-Site Seroma Formation After Immediate Breast Reconstruction With the Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap

• DOI: 10.1097/sap.0b013e3182259337
• Publication Date: 2011-07-06T08:48:44Z
• Authors: Byung-Joon Jeon; Tae-Sung Lee; So-Young Lim; Jai-Kyong Pyon; Goo-Hyun Mun; Kap Sung Oh; Sa-Ik Bang
• Keywords: Adult; Incidence; Mammaplasty; Breast Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Surgical Flaps; 03 medical and health sciences; Postoperative Complications; Seroma; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Humans; Female; Mastectomy

The extended latissimus dorsi flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction. However, seroma at the donor site is a common complication and makes it difficult for reconstructive surgeons to choose it as a primary option. We analyzed the association between seroma and reconstructions with extended latissimus dorsi flaps. A series of 120 consecutive cases were included in this study. The average body mass index (BMI) was 22.1 kg/m, and the mean ratio of the flap weight to the extirpated breast weight was equivalent to 101.6%. The mean age of patients was 40.3 years. Donor-site seroma was reported in 69.2% (83 cases) of the total patients. With respect to BMI, flap weight, and age, the incidence and duration of donor-site seroma showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Both the incidence and duration of seroma were significantly higher and longer in patients who had high BMI (>23 kg/m), large flap (>450 g) for reconstructions, or advanced age (>45 y). In these cases, greater attention and additional adjunctive procedures would be needed to prevent seroma.