From Evidence to Practice: Quilting for Seroma Prevention After Mastectomy and Surgeons' Acceptance

Introduction Seroma formation is a frequent complication after simple mastectomy due to the creation of a large dead space. Multiple aspirations are required to manage patients' symptoms. At present, breast surgeons lack consensus on effective preventative strategies. To address this issue, we have implemented a technique called quilting, which involves suturing the mastectomy flap to the chest wall muscle to convert the dead space into smaller compartments, thereby reducing the possibility of seroma. Method An audit was carried out from April 2020 to June 2021 to establish postoperative seroma rates for patients undergoing simple mastectomy without reconstruction. A subsequent evaluation was completed between October 2023 and December 2024 following the adoption of quilting as standard practice. After each stage, results were shared with UK breast surgeons along with a survey to assess perceptions of quilting and other preventive strategies. An analysis was then done to examine the relationship between sharing audit data and the decision to quilt. This study seeks to outline the effectiveness of quilting in the prevention of seroma formation while also assessing current and alternative practices of UK surgeons in managing seromas. The insights gained from the quilting audit were shared in a follow-up survey to challenge the perception surgeons held of quilting and to consider incorporating this technique into their future practices. Results A total of 66 simple mastectomies were performed, with 32 patients receiving quilting and 34 undergoing conventional closure. On average, each patient in the quilting group received 13 sutures, taking an average of nine minutes for suturing. Among the 32 patients in the quilting group, there were no failed day cases due to postoperative haematomas or complications such as pain, wound breakdown, or long-term disfigurement of the flap. Only one case developed a seroma, but the volume was not clinically significant enough to require drainage. The non-quilting group showed a 70% seroma rate, with patients averaging three aspirations each, averaging 230 ml of fluid. Sixty UK-based surgeons responded to the first survey and 48 to the second. The first survey revealed that only 11.6% of surgeons offered quilting, 48% relied on drains, and 35% took no measures to prevent seroma formation. After sharing the quilting audit results, 79% of respondents indicated they would consider implementing quilting, while 20% remained resistant to the idea. The changes to response were statistically significant (p<0.00001). Conclusion The feedback from the surveys indicates a lack of consensus among UK surgeons regarding the prevention of seromas post-mastectomy. Nonetheless, there is a significant willingness to explore quilting. Our findings demonstrate that quilting is both safe and effective in reducing seroma formation, leading to improved patient outcomes. We recommend that future research focus on establishing comprehensive national evidence and guidelines aimed at decreasing seroma rates, thus addressing the current variability in approach across the country.