Background Seroma formation is a common complication after breast cancer surgery and delays recovery. Excessive seroma formation puts

pressure on the wound, which is painful for the patient, sets limitations on daily activities and delays further treatment. The aim of this

study was to investigate whether the postoperative use of a thorax bandage reduces seroma formation in a breast cancer patient. In

addition, the practical aspects of wearing the thorax bandage (duration and experience of the patient) will be described. For this study

a novel 2 Layer cohesive Compression System has been used.

Material & Methods

Results

References1. Sybrandy R. Lymftrombose na okselklierdissectie. Oedeminus. 2000;

nr. 3:4-5.

2. Boostrom SY, Throckmorton AD, Boughey JC, Holifi eld AC, Zakaria S, Hoskin TL, et al. Incidence of clinically signifi cant seroma after breast and axillary surgery. J Am Coll Surg. 2009;208(1):148-50.

3. Kurkoi K, Shimozuma K, Taguchi T, Imai H, Yamashiro H, Ohsumi S, et al. Evidence based risk factors for seroma formation in breast surgery. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2006 36(4):197-206.

4. O’Hea BJ, Ho MN, Petrek JA. External compression dressing versus standard dressing after axillary lymphadenectomy. Am.J.Surgery 1999;177:450-3.

5. Chen CYY, Hoe AL, Wong CY. The Effect of a pressure garment on post-surgical drainage and seroma formation in breast cancer patients. Singapore Med J. 1998 Sep;39(9):412-5.

6. Kontos M, Petrou A, Prassas E, Tsigris C, Roy P, Trafalis D, et al. Pressure dressing in breast surgery:is this the solution for seroma formation? J. BUON 2008;13(1):65-7.

7. Jensen MP, Chen C, Brugger AMJ Pain. Interpretation of visual analog scale ratings and change scores: a reanalysis of two clinical trials of postoperative pain. Journal of Pain 2003 Sep;4(7):407-14.

8. Gallagher EJ, Liebman M, Bijur PE. Prospective validation of clinically important changes in pain severity measured on a visual analog scale. Ann Emerg Med 2001;38(6):633-8.

9. https://www.fysionet.nl/kennisplein/vakinhoud/meetinstrumenten/ disabilities-of-the-arm.pdf

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11. Veehof MM, Sleegers EJ, van Veldhoven NH, Schuurman AH, van Meeteren NL. Psychometric qualities of the Dutch language version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH-DLV). J Hand Ther. 2002 Oct-dec;15(4):347-54.

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Conclusion In this case study the application of

a thorax bandage seemed clinically

successful for the patient. However,

further studies are necessary to

investigate the effect of the thorax

bandage on seroma formation. At

least the experience of the patient was

positive. In this report, the case of a 62 year old woman will be presented following

surgery on both breasts; a modifi ed radical mastectomy (MRM) on the right,

and an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) on the left. The selection

criteria were: status after MRM and at least one seroma aspiration. After the

surgery the axilla on the left became infected (after the fi rst seroma aspiration)

and the patient was hospitalized for fi ve days of antibiotic treatment. The

research design is an n=1 single subject design, where a baseline situation

is followed by an intervention phase. This design is also called an A-B design

with baseline measurements (A), score on the visual analog scale (VAS), the

Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire Dutch language

version (DASH-DLV), four weeks of physical therapy treatment and the use

of a thorax bandage on the surgical site on the right (B). The measurements

were repeated over the course of treatment and again at the conclusion.

After the start of the physical therapy interventions there were no more seroma

aspirations needed on the right breast. On the left, there was one aspiration of 100

ml, on the infection site. The patient found the thorax bandage comfortable. “It makes

me feel safe.” The pain score was measured three times and a DASH-DLV was

completed. Over a period of four weeks the VAS score decreased by 26 mm and the

DASH-DLV score by16 points. Both scores are clinically relevant for the patient.0

40

30

20

10

50

60

Week 1

VAS

0-1

00 m

m

Week 2

Week 4

0

50

40

30

20

10

Week 1

DA

SH

-DLV

0-1

00

Week 2

Week 4

The Effect of a Thorax Bandage on Postoperative Seroma Formation in a Breast Cancer Patient

A.T.M. Nieuwenhuijsen, Edema and Oncology Physiotherapist • St. Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.

8835_posters_coban_14.indd 2 29-08-11 11:21