The use of OK-432 to prevent seroma in extended latissimus dorsi flap donor site after breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The extended latissimus dorsi (LD) flap has become a preferred method of breast reconstruction. However, donor site seroma is the most common complication of LD flap reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of OK-432 on postoperative drainage and seroma formation in the site of the LD myocutaneous flap donor site.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 49 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with extended LD flaps between July 2008 and September 2013. The patients received either OK-432 (OK-432 group, n = 24) or not (control group, n = 25) in the extended LD donor site. Outcome measures were obtained from the incidence and volume of postoperative seroma, total volume of back drains, the total drainage, indwelling period of drainage, and frequency of aspiration.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, and flap size. The incidence of seroma was 41.7% in the OK-432 group and 72% in the control group (P = 0.032). There were also significant reductions in volume of postoperative seroma (P = 0.021), total drainage volume (P < 0.001), total volume of back drains (P < 0.001), indwelling period of drainage (P = 0.004), and frequency of aspiration (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS: The use of OK-432 is a feasible option for the reduction or prevention of seroma formation at the donor site in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction using a LD myocutaneous flap for breast cancer.