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Reevaluating the need for routine drainage in reduction mammaplasty
A Matarasso1, S G Wallach, M Rankin
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Manhattan, Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, Rutgers University, New York, NY, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 12, 1998
Summary
Reduction mammaplasty without drains showed a low complication rate, comparable to procedures using drains. Routine drainage may be unnecessary for this breast reduction surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Breast Surgery
Background:
- Reduction mammaplasty aims to reduce breast size and alleviate symptoms.
- The use of surgical drains in reduction mammaplasty is a common practice, but its necessity is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complication incidence in reduction mammaplasty performed without surgical drains.
- To compare outcomes of drainless reduction mammaplasty with historical data from procedures using drains.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 50 bilateral reduction mammaplasty procedures.
- Data collection on patient demographics, surgical techniques (Pitanguy, inferior pedicle, free nipple graft), volume removed, and complications.
- Statistical comparison using the chi-squared test.
Main Results:
- A total of six complications occurred in three patients out of 50 procedures.
- Complications included two cases of fat necrosis and one wound disruption.
- One patient experienced hematoma, wound disruption, and partial nipple loss; no infections were reported.
Conclusions:
- Reduction mammaplasty can be safely performed without closed suction drains.
- The complication rate in this drainless series is comparable to published data for procedures with drains.
- Routine use of drains in reduction mammaplasty should be reconsidered.
