Surgery for breast cancer has changed in the last few decades in favor of more conservative approaches, without compromising loco‐ regional control and survival. Common immediate complications fol‐ lowing breast surgery are hematoma, seroma, and wound infection. 1 Traditionally, surgeons have implemented the use of closed‐suction drains in this setting with the aim of preventing these complications, which can cause discomfort, morbidity, increased follow‐up visits, and possible delay in the beginning of adjuvant therapies. 2 On the other hand, potential benefits of performing breast procedures without using a drain have been increasingly considered. 3 There is lack of modern and official guidelines on use of drains in breast sur‐ gery, with no consensus regarding their management and the appro‐ priate use of antibiotics in this setting. Almost all reports agree with the use of drains after breast procedures, especially if they are asso‐ ciated with reconstruction or axillar lymph node dissection (ALND), but an extreme variability is reported regarding practice patterns. 4
Practice patterns regarding drains management in breast surgery: result of a survey of Senonetwork Italia breast cemters
Ballardini B;Battaglia C;Caruso F;Cianchetti E;Lolli G;Pagliari C;Rubino C;Rulli A;
2020
Abstract
Surgery for breast cancer has changed in the last few decades in favor of more conservative approaches, without compromising loco‐ regional control and survival. Common immediate complications fol‐ lowing breast surgery are hematoma, seroma, and wound infection. 1 Traditionally, surgeons have implemented the use of closed‐suction drains in this setting with the aim of preventing these complications, which can cause discomfort, morbidity, increased follow‐up visits, and possible delay in the beginning of adjuvant therapies. 2 On the other hand, potential benefits of performing breast procedures without using a drain have been increasingly considered. 3 There is lack of modern and official guidelines on use of drains in breast sur‐ gery, with no consensus regarding their management and the appro‐ priate use of antibiotics in this setting. Almost all reports agree with the use of drains after breast procedures, especially if they are asso‐ ciated with reconstruction or axillar lymph node dissection (ALND), but an extreme variability is reported regarding practice patterns. 4I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
