[Biological glue does not reduce lymphorrhoea after lymph node excision. Randomized prospective study on 40 patients]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomaterials in Surgery

Background:

• Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a standard procedure for breast cancer staging.
• Post-operative lymphorrhoea and complications are common after ALND.
• Fibrin glue has been explored as an adjunct to reduce fluid collection and improve healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of fibrin glue in reducing lymphorrhoea and complications following ALND in breast cancer patients.
• To compare drainage volume, duration, and complication rates between patients receiving fibrin glue and a control group.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized study involving 40 female breast cancer patients undergoing ALND.
• Group A (n=20) received fibrin glue spray in the axillary dissection area.
• Group B (n=20) served as the control group.
• Statistical analysis included Student's t test, Mann and Whitney test, and chi-squared test.

Main Results:

• The fibrin glue group (Group A) showed significantly higher average lymphorrhoea volume (410.4 ml) compared to the control group (275.5 ml, p=0.016).
• No significant differences were observed in mastectomy/lumpectomy site drainage, total drainage volume, or drainage duration.
• Complication rates were higher in the fibrin glue group (6 complications) versus the control group (1 complication, p=0.037).

Conclusions:

• Fibrin glue application after ALND did not reduce lymphorrhoea and was associated with an increased risk of complications.
• The use of fibrin glue in this context may not offer therapeutic benefits and could potentially increase adverse events.