After breast reconstruction (BR) with latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) postoperative seroma is a frequent source of functional discomfort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quilting suture on reducing the seroma volume by reducing the dead space created by LDF harvest for BR.

This retrospective monocenter study was designed to compare patients who underwent BR using LDF with or without quilting suture. The primary endpoint was the seroma volume drained during hospitalization and percutaneous puncture. Complications and painful or functional sequelae were also evaluated in both groups.

One hundred eight patients were included in the study. The mean (standard deviation, SD) age of our population was 49.7 years (9.3) and the mean body mass index (BMI) 26.9kg/m² (4.1). Sixty-nine patients (63%) underwent quilting suturing in the latissimus dorsi compartment, 41% with overedge and 59% with simple stitches. The mean total volume of fluid drainage was 1238mL (1111). In multivariate analysis, the use of quilting suture was associated with a significant reduction in the total volume of drainage (−502mL, P=0.03); reduction was greater using overedge stitches than simple stitches (P=0.02). The beneficial effect of quilting suture appears to be more important in patients with a BMI greater than 30kg/m2 (interaction test, P=0.01).

This study shows the efficacy of quilting suture in reducing postoperative seroma formation in BR using LDF. Efficacy was greater when overedge stitches were used. Obese patients benefited more from quilting suture than patients with BMI<25.