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Evaluating HEmopatch® in Reducing Seroma-Related Complications following Axillary Lymph Node DIssection: A Pilot
Merel A Spiekerman van Weezelenburg1, Lisa de Rooij1, Loeki Aldenhoven1
1Department of Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands.
Breast Care (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 2, 2023
Summary
This pilot study found Hemopatch® did not significantly reduce seroma after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, fewer patients using Hemopatch® required additional clinic visits, suggesting potential benefits for breast cancer and melanoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a standard procedure for locoregional metastatic disease in breast cancer and melanoma.
- Seroma formation is a common and problematic complication following ALND, with existing research yielding inconclusive results.
- Minimizing post-operative complications like seroma is crucial for improving patient outcomes after ALND.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a hemostatic patch, Hemopatch®, in reducing seroma formation after ALND.
- To assess the impact of Hemopatch® on wound complications, subsequent interventions, and healthcare resource utilization post-ALND.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study comparing a prospective cohort (n=20) using Hemopatch® with a retrospective cohort (n=42) who underwent ALND.
- Primary outcome: incidence of clinically significant seroma (CSS).
- Secondary outcomes: wound complications, surgical site infections, unscheduled outpatient visits, and drain output.
Main Results:
- 30% of patients in the Hemopatch® group developed CSS versus 43% in the control group.
- Surgical site infections occurred in 3 patients in each group.
- 35% of Hemopatch® patients required unscheduled visits, compared to 62% in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Hemopatch® application did not demonstrate a clinically relevant reduction in clinically significant seroma or wound complications post-ALND.
- A notable decrease in additional outpatient clinic visits was observed in the Hemopatch® group.
- The limited sample size necessitates further investigation to clarify the definitive role of Hemopatch® in ALND procedures.
