BACKGROUND: Fluid collections such as hematoma and seroma are by far the most frequent complication in abdominal dermolipectomy. Seroma has variable incidence and late presentation. Hematoma can be an early finding but can be later too because of the dead space that can fill before it can be clinically detected. The objective of this study is to show the patient profile and to evaluate if drainage contribute in fluid collections formation. METHODS: This Clinical Trial randomized 2 groups (with and without post-operative drains) that underwent to abdominal dermolipectomy at Plastic Surgery Service of the Santa Casa Hospital of Porto Alegre. RESULTS: From January 2003 to April 2004, 63 patients underwent abdominal dermolipectomy. In 30 (Group 1) a closed drainage was used, and in 33 (Group 2) surgical wound was not drained. Seroma ocurred in one patient of Group 1 and in two of Group 2, and hematoma ocurred in one patient of Group 2, with no statistical significance. Of the 63 patients, 58% had their first pregnancy between 16 and 20 years of age, and 19 had multiple pregnancies. CONCLUSÃO: We concluded that the patient profile is women, with early first pregnancy, multiple pregnancies and recent weight loose. The fluid collections were not affected by the use of post-operative drainage.
Surgery; Surgical flaps; Abdomen; Drainage
