Utility of Autologous Fibrin Glue in the Donor Site of Free Abdominal Flap for Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Background : Seroma formation at the donor site is a common complication of breast reconstruction using free abdominal flap. In this study, we assessed the benefits of use of autologous fibrin glue (AFG) at the donor site. Methods : This randomized controlled study compared AFG group (n = 61) with commercial fibrin glue (CFG) group (n = 79). Owing to the high volume of AFG (10 mL), AFG group received fibrin glue at both the anastomosis site and the donor site. CFG group received fibrin glue only at the anastomosis site. Operative protocols and the criteria for postoperative drain removal were identical in both groups. Patient characteristics and abdominal discharge were compared between the two groups. Results : Since anemia was a contraindication for use of AFG, preoperative Hb in CFG group was significantly lower than that in AFG group; other factors were comparable in the two groups. The mean total abdominal drain volume on first postoperative day (POD1) and POD2 were (AFG vs. CFG) 130.9 vs. 169.4 mL (P Conclusions : AFG reduced the discharge at the donor site of free abdominal flap, especially in the early postoperative period. AFG helped to reduce the abdominal drainage period.