TETRACYCLINE SCLEROTHERAPY IN TREATING POSTMASTECTOMY SEROMA: A SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR A FREQUENTLY OCCURRING PROBLEM

Aim: Seroma is the most common complication occurring after breast surgery. Its management usually invol ves repeated aspiration and drain insertion. Tetracycline sclerotherapy appeared successful fo r treating many chronic fluid collections e.g. pleural effusions, hydrocele, liver cysts, renal cysts .... etc. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical tetracycline (TeN) sclerotherapy in treating postmastectomy seroma. Methods: Forty nine femal e patients with resistant post mastectomy seroma were enrolled in the study. All patients were subjected to aspiration of the seroma and instillation of 2g tetracycline dissolved in 100 ml sodium chloride 0.9% + 10 ml Lidocaine. After 24 hours, the solution is re-aspirated and a crepe bandage is applied to the chest wall. Each patient is asked to record her pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The procedure is repeated in patients who had experienced seroma recollection . Results: Thirty six patients (73.4%) were successfully treated with one sclerotherapy session while nine patients (18.4%) needed two sessions and four pat ients (8.2%) needed three sessions. The majority of the patients (85.7%) had no complications after the technique. Conclusion: the topical application of tetra cycline is effectiv e and feasible method in the management of refractory post mastectomy seroma