Management and preventive strategies for seroma formation following breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy: an analysis of 10 cases        SHAN Cheng-xiang, ZHANG Wei, JIANG Dao-zhen, et al.  Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Changzheng Hospital Affiliated to the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
Corresponding author：QIU Ming，E-mail：qium127@sina.com
Abstract    Objective    To evaluate the management and to provide the preventive strategies for seroma formation following endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach. Methods    The characteristics and outcomes of patients developed seroma following endoscopic thyroidectomy via breast approach between July 2001 and February 2008 at Chang Zheng Hospital Affiliated to Second Military Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. All the data were compared with those without seroma. Regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for seroma. Results    The postoperative incidence of seroma formation was 2.9%(10/344). There was significant difference in seroma formation based on age, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), area of subcutaneous dissection space and suction removal method. All 10 cases developed seroma in the first month after surgery. Seroma in 7 cases were localized while the areas of other 3 cases were much extensive, even up to the neck. Nine cases were healed quickly with immediate treatment. However，1 cases met decreased cosmetic result because of delayed and uncompleted therapy. Conclusion    Preventive strategies should be designed according to the risk factors of seroma formation after BAET. It is necessary to make early diagnosis and treatment for patients with seroma.