Randomized trial of drain antisepsis after mastectomy and immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction.

Background: In this 2-site randomized trial, we investigated the effect of antiseptic drain care on bacterial colonization of surgical drains and infection after immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction.

Methods: With IRB approval, we randomized patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction to drain antisepsis (treatment) for one side, with standard drain care (control) for the other. Antisepsis care included both: chlorhexidine disc dressing at drain exit site(s) and irrigation of drain bulbs twice daily with dilute sodium hypochlorite solution.

Risk factors associated with breast lymphedema.

Background: The development of breast lymphedema (BLE) after breast/axillary surgery is poorly characterized. We prospectively evaluated clinical and surgical factors associated with development of BLE.

Methods: Patients undergoing unilateral breast-conserving surgery were prospectively enrolled preoperatively and followed for development of BLE.

Randomized controlled trial to reduce bacterial colonization of surgical drains after breast and axillary operations.

Objective: To determine whether bacterial colonization of drains can be reduced by local antiseptic interventions.

Background: Drains are a potential source of bacterial entry into surgical wounds and may contribute to surgical site infection after breast surgery.

Methods: After institutional review board approval, patients undergoing total mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection were randomized to standard drain care (control) or drain antisepsis (treated).

A prospective study of breast lymphedema: frequency, symptoms, and quality of life.

Although lymphedema of the arm is a well-known complication of breast and axillary surgery, breast lymphedema has received scant attention. We sought to prospectively characterize breast lymphedema's incidence, associated symptoms, clinical course, and impact on quality of life. Subjects were enrolled prospectively from a consecutive sample of patients undergoing non-mastectomy breast procedures (excisional biopsy or wide local excision ± lymph node removal) and followed for signs and symptoms of lymphedema in the operated breast.