Reduction of Seroma and Improvement of Quality of Life After Early Drain Removal in Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expander. Preliminary Report from a Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Seroma is the most common complication of breast reconstruction with tissue expander (incidence 0.2-20%) with increased risk of infection and implant loss by 4-6 fold. About 90% of Plastic Surgeons routinely placed drains for its prevention. We theorized that early drain removal is a safe procedure that improves postoperative quality of life, reducing pain, length of hospital stay and limitations on daily activities. We divided 49 patients operated on between September 2016 and March 2018 (follow-up: 9-26 months) into two groups: Group1 (output-based; drains removed when flow was