The use of TachoSil for the prevention of postoperative complications after groin dissection in cases of gynecologic malignancy

Objective: To evaluate the effect of TachoSil in preventing postoperative complications after groin dissection performed for primary or recurrent gynecologic malignancy. Methods: In a case-control analysis, the incidence of postoperative complications - including lymphocyst formation, wound breakdown and/or infection, and chronic lymphedema - was examined among 8 patients who received TachoSil and 16 controls (standard technique) treated for vulvar cancer or recurrent ovarian/breast cancer at San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, from 2008 to 2011. Results: Thirty-eight inguinal dissections were performed in the 24 patients. Bilateral groin dissection was performed in 14 patients (n = 4 in the study group; n = 10 in the control group). Patients in the study group had a lower mean daily drainage volume than those in the control group (133 mL [range, 50-356 mL] vs 320 mL [range, 67-472 mL]; P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of lymphocyst requiring drainage (25.0% vs 62.5%), cellulitis (12.0% vs 25.0%), and wound infection (0.0% vs 25.0%). Conclusion: The use of TachoSil seems to be effective in reducing the rate of postoperative complications after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in cases of gynecologic malignancy.