An analysis of the effect of skin flap management in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effect of different skin flap management methods on post operative (subcutaneous) fluid collection and skin flap necrosis after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. (Methods) A retrospectively analysis of clinical data of 119 cases of breast cancer operated by modified (radical) mastectomy in our hospital in recent four years. Statistically analyse the relationship between 4 different skin flap management methods to postoperative subcutaneous fluid collection and skin flap necrosis. Results 43 out of 119 cases developed postoperative subcutaneous fluid collection and/or skin flap necrosis. There were 13 cases with complication of subcutaneous fluid collection, 3 cases with skin flap necrosis among 79 (cases) treated by transverse incision;20cases with complication of subcutaneous fluid collection, and 7 cases of skin flap necrosis among 40 cases treated by longitudinal incision; 23cases with complication of subcutaneous fluid collection, and 8 cases of skin flap necrosis among 60 cases treated by "skin flap management type one"; 23cases with complication of subcutaneous fluid collection, and 2 cases of skin flap necrosis among 59 cases treated by "skin flap management type two". Conclusions A transverse incision after subcutaneous (injection) of 1∶400 adrenaline saline solution, plus the use of scalpel dissection and the technique of skin flap fixation by the "rivet" method can effectively decrease postoperative development of subcutaneous fluid (collection) and necrosis of incisional skin margins.