Study on the efficacy and safety of multi-point axillary flap fixation and small incision reduction of chest wall in the improvement of subcutaneous hydrops after modified radical mastectomy

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of multi-point axillary flap fixation and small incision reduction of chest wall in the improvement of subcutaneous hydrops after modified radical mastectomy, and analyze the related risk factors of subcutaneous effusion.

MethodsA total of 66 patients treated with modified radical mastectomy were divided into the control group(n=40) and intervention group(n=26) according to the surgical methods.The control group was treated with the routine axillary lymph node dissection combined with retained two drainage tubes in the axillary and chest wall.The intervention group was treated with strengthening the suturing and fixing the axillary skin flap with chest wall combined with subtensive incision on both sides of the border on the basis of the control group.The time of catheterization, length of stay and subcutaneous effusion were compared between two groups.

ResultsThe volume of drainage, indwelling catheter time, length of stay and incidence rate of subcutaneous hydrops in intervention group were significantly lower than those in control group(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).In the control group, the differences of the incidence rates of subcutaneous hydrops in patients with different axillary lymph nodes, diabetes mellitus and gelfoam application were statistically significant(P < 0.05).After surgery, there was no statistical significance in the incidence rate of subcutaneous hydrops in different age and body mass index in control group(P>0.05).

ConclusionsThe positive axillary lymph nodes, diabetes mellitus and gelatin spongee use are the influencing factors of subcutaneous hydrops.The improved surgical method is of great significance to reduce subcutaneous effusion in axillary and chest wall.