Role for fibrin glue (sealant) in seroma reduction after inguinal lymphadenectomy; a randomized controlled trial

Seroma is one of the most commonly encountered morbidities after inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). It causes much nuisance to both patients and doctors and its presence can lead to many complications. This study aimed to evaluate the role and impact of using fibrin glue to decrease seroma formation in patients undergoing ILND.

Thirty-two patients underwent ILND for various reasons. The patients were randomly divided into two groups; 16 in each group. In one group, fibrin glue sealant was applied with a dosage of 2 ml per 100 cm² surface area. Drain placement was then performed. In the control group, only drain placement was used. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed.

There was a significant reduction in the incidence of seroma formation favoring the fibrin glue group when compared to the control group (P = 0.022). There was also a significant reduction of total cumulative amount of serous fluid (P < 0.001), time to remove drains (P < 0.001), and hospital stay (P = 0.012). There was no significant difference between the two groups in occurrences of hematoma, infection or superficial skin edge necrosis.

Fibrin glue sealant has a role to play in ILND as it significantly reduced the incidence of seroma formation. Standardization of definition of seroma as well as dosage and technique of fibrin glue have to be reached in future studies to determine the true role of fibrin glue in ILND.