Impact of the Lysine-urethane Adhesive TissuGlu® on Postoperative Complications and Interventions After Drain-free Mastectomy

Abstract

Background/aim: The influence of a polyurethane-based tissue adhesive (TissuGlu®) on common complications following breast surgery was investigated.

Patients and methods: Within a Randomized-Controlled-Trial 70 women (n=35 TissuGlu®, n=35 drain) underwent a mastectomy with or without sentinel lymph node excision (SLNE), followed by a 90-day postoperative follow-up.

Results: Postoperative interventions: Non-inferiority of the application of TissuGlu® was seen. Pain-Level/ Hospitalization: A statistically significant pain reduction from day four onwards (p<0.001) and a shorter hospitalization period (p<0.001) was observed. In contrast, the TissuGlu® group showed increased mean puncture incidence (p=0.013), and increased puncture volume (p=0.021).

Conclusion: Application of the polyurethane-based tissue adhesive TissuGlu® after mastectomy, with or without SLNE, showed potential for improvement of the clinical outcome. In contrast, high intervention rates and increased puncture volume, caused by recurring seromas following application of the surgical adhesive TissuGlu®, have a negative impact on the patient-specific convalescence.

Keywords: Seroma formation; TissuGlu®; breast cancer therapy; dead space reduction; drain-free mastectomy; drainage; surgical adhesive.