Predictive Factors for Drainage Volume after Expander-based Breast Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Closed suction drains are standard in breast reconstruction, with removal based on volume criteria.
• Predictive factors for drainage volume after breast reconstruction remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictive factors for total drainage volume following expander-based breast reconstruction.
• To improve the management and prediction of drain duration in breast reconstruction patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of daily drainage data from 131 patients undergoing expander-based breast reconstruction (February 2013 - March 2015).
• Examination of patient and operative factors using univariate and multivariate analyses to determine their influence on total drainage volume.

Main Results:

• Total drainage averaged 557.3 ± 359.7 mL, strongly correlating with drain duration (r=0.908).
• Axillary lymph node dissection, specimen weight, body weight, and preoperative breast volume were significant factors influencing drainage.
• Preoperative predictors included age, body weight, and scheduled axillary dissection; postoperative predictors included age, axillary dissection, and specimen weight.

Conclusions:

• Plastic surgeons can predict total drainage and drain duration using preoperative and/or postoperative data.
• Key predictive factors identified are patient age, breast mass, and axillary lymph node dissection status.