Summary
Seromas are a common complication associated with breast reconstructive surgery. In
expander based breast reconstructions, a seroma can pose a particularly difficult
problem related to final tissue envelope shape as well as an increase in the risk
of infection and possible tissue necrosis. Unfortunately, the literature describes
few non-image related techniques to drain a seroma with a breast implant in place.
We present a technique to drain a seroma associated with expander based breast reconstruction
in conjunction with expander inflation, minimizing the risk of expander puncture,
utilizing the same equipment necessary for expander inflation in the office. The benefit
to this technique is that diagnostic and therapeutic imaging is not necessary and
the risk of expander damage is minimized.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 09, 2012
Accepted:
June 11,
2012
Received:
February 23,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
