Saline replacement after local resection of the breast: a simple technique with good control and improved patient satisfaction

Abstract

Background

Here we report a study on the use of saline replacement after local resection of the breast. Local resection of breast tissue is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer due to the development of imaging analysis technology such as mammography, ultrasound sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance. Preserving the size and shape of the breast after treatment is beneficial for the patient, and deformity of the residual breast can be a serious problem.

Methods

Following resection, the subcutaneous tissue was sutured with 4-0 polydioaxanone, and a 20-G syringe was inserted through the skin into the hole. After suturing the skin with 4-0 nylon, an adequate volume of saline was injected. A conservative treatment group did not receive saline injections and was used as controls. We sent self-administered questionnaires to 60 patients who had undergone local resection of the breast and received 55 responses (92%).

Results

Saline replacement was performed in 28 of the 55 patients, and conservative treatment (no saline replacement) was performed in 27 patients. The average volume of injected saline was 46 ml (range, 5–150 ml). There were no statistically significant differences in skin irritation, pain, fatigue, or daily activity between the two groups, but the saline replacement group was more satisfied with the surgical scar (p < 0.05) and shape of the breast (p = 0.05) after surgery.

Conclusions

Saline replacement after local resection of the breast is a simple technique that provides benefits for patients undergoing conservative surgery of the breast.