Evaluation of Axillary Drainage Fluid After Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is gradually becoming the most common type of cancer in women. Axillary lymph node dissection is a key component of surgical management of breast cancer. Axillary lymph node dissection is however associated with several complications such as oedema of upper limb, decreased movements at the shoulder and paraesthesia of the medial arm and axilla. One of the most common sequelae of axillary lymph node dissection is seroma formation, which delays recovery and increases morbidity. To effectively manage this complication, it is paramount to understand the aetiology of seroma formation. AIMS AND OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the composition of axillary drainage fluid in terms of total protein, albumin, globulin and lipid content and to study the change in composition of drainage fluid with prolonged drainage. MATERIAL AND METHODS30 patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy were evaluated in terms of axillary drain fluid output, total protein, albumin, globulin, cell counts, lipid profile (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL) and culture and sensitivity of axillary drain fluid on post-operative day 3, 5 and 7. RESULTSAxillary fluid is inflammatory in origin up to day 5. On day 7, the inflammation abates and the fluid becomes lymphatic. Prolonged axillary drainage has no relation to BMI.