Quilting Sutures in Breast Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Their Impact on Postoperative Drain Output

Quilting sutures (QSs) are used to reduce dead space and may decrease the need for surgical drains. Their application in breast reduction surgery could improve postoperative outcomes and facilitate earlier discharge.

The aim of the authors of this study is to evaluate whether QSs significantly reduce postoperative drainage and hospital stay in breast reduction surgery, compared with standard closure without quilting.

A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted involving 87 female patients who underwent bilateral breast reduction between June 2023 and December 2024. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: the QS group (n = 38) and control group (n = 49). All patients received closed suction drains. Patients were included in the study if complete inpatient follow-up data were available for at least 24 h postoperatively. Primary outcomes included drainage volume on Postoperative day 1 and duration of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22.0; P < .05 was considered significant.

Mean drainage volume on Postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in the QS group (17.6 cc) compared with the control group (36.1 cc; P = .017). Hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the QS group (mean 1.02 days) vs controls (1.32 days, P = .032). No significant differences were found in infection rates or wound-healing complications between groups.

This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that the use of QSs in breast reduction surgery can significantly reduce postoperative drain output and hospital stay, without increasing complication rates.

2 (Therapeutic).