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Classe et al¹ describe axillary padding as an alternative to closed suction drainage for ambulatory axillary lymphadenectomy. It is of concern that a 22.2% incidence of axillary seroma requiring aspiration was considered acceptable. The authors cite a publication similar to theirs by Jeffrey et al² in which a 42% need for axillary seroma aspiration was noted.

There is an alternative to closed suction vs no drainage. The use of a Penrose drain incorporated into the dressing reduces the incidence of seroma development. It does, however, require the patient to return a few days postoperatively for drain removal.

I have previously reported the use of a Penrose drain in the axilla, with a resultant 2.3% incidence of seroma,³ and also commented on this type of drainage⁴ after the publication of the article by Jeffrey and colleagues. Having now performed approximately 700 such procedures on an ambulatory basis, I strongly endorse the . . . [Full Text of this Article]