Clinical experience with compression taping to treat seroma after breast cancer surgery: a medical device clinical study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the safety of compressive taping in patients with seroma secondary to breast cancer surgery.

Methods: This study was a nonrandomized clinical study of medical devices applied to women indicated for seroma aspiration puncture after breast cancer surgery in a public reference hospital in Brazil. The intervention consisted of applying compressive taping over the seroma fluctuation area and maintained for 5 days. Evaluated outcomes comprised dermal changes caused by taping, subjective symptoms reported during the intervention period, and percent change in the punctured volume before and after the intervention.

Results: A total of 35 women (mean age, 56.7 ± 12.2 years) were included. Most presented with an advanced disease stage (≥IIB; 62.9%). Although a 28.6% incidence of dermal changes caused by taping was observed, an average reduction in the aspirated volume of -28.2 mL was identified (95% confidence interval, -48.3 to -8.0; P = .008). Treatment adherence was high (91.4%), and most patients reported satisfaction with the treatment (85.7%).

Conclusions: The use of compressive taping on seroma areas can be considered safe, is well accepted by patients, and might be used as a noninvasive treatment option for seroma developing after breast cancer surgery.