Seroma suppression using TissuGlu® in a high-risk patient post-mastectomy: a case report

• Published in: Journal of medical case reports Vol. 7; no. 1; p. 138
• Main Authors: Eichler, Christian, Dahdouh, Faten, Sauerwald, Axel, Warm, Mathias
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 28.05.2013; BioMed Central
• Subjects: Case Report; Health aspects; Lysine; Mastectomy
• ISSN: 1752-1947; 1752-1947
• DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-7-138

Post-mastectomy seromas are a common problem in modern oncological surgery. Occurrence rates of up to 59% have been reported in the literature. High-risk patients, that is, those who have received previous surgeries, radiation or chemotherapy, present a particular challenge. Several surgical techniques, including progressive tension suture application, have shown promise. Noninvasive measures such as fibrin-based adhesives have thus far not been able to prevent seroma occurrence effectively. A recent study using a lysine-derived urethane adhesive named TissuGlu®, however, showed promising results in patients after abdominoplasty. We used TissuGlu® to treat a high-risk 64-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer and severe post-mastectomy seroma. The postsurgical period showed successful seroma suppression, without any adverse effects or complications. This type of adhesive should be evaluated as an alternative, less-invasive option for preventing seroma in patients after a mastectomy.