Does talc reduce seroma formation after mastectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

© 2018, Medical Association of Thailand. All rights reserved. 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.