Evaluating Hemopatch in Reducing Seroma Related Complications Following Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: a Pilot Study

To evaluate if the use of Hemopatch in axillary lymph node dissection shows potential in reducing clinically significant seroma and seroma related complications, which might serve as a basis for a randomized controlled trial.

Rationale:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has reduced the number of patients needing to undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, axillary lymph node dissection is part of curative therapy for a large group of patients with advanced invasive breast cancers and melanoma. Seroma may cause symptomatic discomfort requiring needle aspiration and is often associated with infection, wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, persistent fibrotic encapsulated seromas and may even delay adjuvant therapies \[1\]. Therefore, extensive research in finding the best technique in reducing seroma is needed.

Substances intended to seal small blood vessels by triggering collagen and fibrinogen synthesis supporting surgical hemostasis, are assumed to be able to contribute to sealing of these lymphatic vessels. Contradicting results were found in the effect of several fibrin-glue coated collagen patches \[2-5\] and fibrin glue \[6,7\]. Furthermore, the use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system (LigaSure) in axillary dissection showed no significant reduction in rate of aspiration of seroma \[8\].

This pilot study is intended to assess the value of a haemostatic sealant (Hemopatch), a pad of collagen derived from bovine dermis, coated with NHS-PEG (pentaerythritol polyethylene glycol ether tetra-succinimidyl glutarate), in reducing seroma related complications after ALND with the advantage that this sealant is pliable and flexible.

Objective:

To evaluate if the use of Hemopatch in axillary lymph node dissection shows potential in reducing clinically significant seroma and seroma related complications, which might serve as a basis for a randomized controlled trial.

Study design:

A prospective cohort will be compared to a historical control group. Eighteen consecutive patients will undergo axillary lymph node dissection and after completion of lymphadenectomy, Hemopatch will be applied to the axillary surgical field. These results will be compared to the results of a historical control group consisting of 46 patients who have undergone ALND without the Hemopatch between January 2014 and December 2018.

Follow-up will be conducted for three months postoperatively.

Study population:

Patients of 18 years or older, diagnosed with stage III melanoma or breast cancer and indication for wide local excision (WLE) and/or axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND).

Intervention (if applicable):

Application of Hemopatch after standard axillary lymph node dissection.

Main study parameters/endpoints:

Proportion of patients treated with Hemopatch who develop clinically significant seroma.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness:

Patients will be informed about the study before inclusion in the outpatient clinic. Informed consent will be obtained in the outpatient clinic a week after patients were initially informed. Postoperative check-ups will be done more frequently. Standard postoperative check-ups are planned at one week and three months. Additional study postoperative check-up will be performed at six weeks. Therefore, patients will be required to undergo one additional check-up. During out patients' visits, the wound will be evaluated and patients will be asked to fill in a questionnaire. Application of the Hemopatch is expected to reduce clinically significant seroma after ALND. The only potential risk for the patient is that the Hemopatch is ineffective.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female patients of 18 years or older.
* Patients with melanoma and indication for axillary lymph node dissection.
* Patients with breast cancer and indication for breast conserving therapy and axillary lymph node dissection
* Patients with an indication for secondary axillary lymph node dissection.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with breast cancer who have an indication for modified radical mastectomy.
* Unable to comprehend implications and extent of study and sign for informed consent
* Pregnant women
* Patients included in another breast related clinical trial