Drain Placement for Seroma Prevention After Mammosite/SAVI Catheter Removal

The proposed study is randomised controlled trial where informed and consenting patients who have an APBI device placed, are randomized into two groups: a control group that has the device removed in the traditional manner without having a drain placed, and a experimental group that would have a penrose drain placed under sterile conditions at the time of removal of their device. The procedure will be performed at the MSU Surgery outpatient clinic by residents, the senior investigator or a trained nurse/PA. Additional data will be collected on each patient from their medical record including demographic data, cancer diagnosis, lesion size, date of procedure, date Mammosite/SAVI was inserted and removed, total dose of radiation, ER, PR, HER2Neu status, and any chemotherapy or hormone therapy being administered. Drains will remain in place for 2-3 days and will be removed by the patient upon removing the dressing. Patients will continue their antibiotic regimen prescribed while the APBI device was in place for the 2-3 days the drain is in place for infection prophylaxis. Patients will be followed for 4 weeks to determine if a seroma or other complication has developed. Patients in both the experimental and control groups will have the same standard follow up and monitoring for seroma development with the use of ultrasound. All postop cancer care will be standard and this study will not alter or delay any aspect of breast cancer treatment. Statistics will be performed and reported based upon data collected.

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosis of breast cancer
• received accelerated partial breast irradiation

Exclusion criteria

• any metastatic breast cancer
• infection
• skin with radiation injury