To Assess the Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid to Prevent Seroma Formation at Donor Site of Latissimus dorsi Flap

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid to prevent seroma formation at donor site of latissimus dorsi flap.

Study Design: Quasi experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Jinnah Burn & Reconstructive Surgery Center/Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore from March 2015 to December 2018.

Materials and Methods: Fifty patients who required latissimus dorsi flap for reconstruction were enrolled. After approval from ethical committee, informed consent was taken. Diluted tranexamic acid (20ml of 25mg/ml) was infiltered at the donor site before closure of the wound. Suction drains were placed. 500mg tranexamic acid was given intravenously, thrice daily for 4 days. Ultrasound was performed on second day and after one week of removal of drains to quantify the seroma.

Results: The suction drains showed <30 ml in 15 patients on first post-operative day and were removed on the same day. Two days after drain removal ultrasoundconfirmed35 out of 50 patients showed no seroma on second day while 94% of the patients showed no collection of fluid one week after removal of drains.

Conclusion: Tranexamic acid is highly effective to control the seroma formation over the donor site of latissimus dorsi flap.