Impact of the surgical modality for axillary lymph node dissection on postoperative drainage and seroma formation after total mastectomy

Background The most common complications after total mastectomy with axillary lymph node treatment are prolonged drainage and seroma formation. The aim of this study was to find factors correlated with prolonged fluid discharge (prolonged drainage or seroma formation after 20th operative day or later), including surgical techniques or devices and clinical factors.