Single versus double drains after modified radical mastectomy with quilting stitches

Comparative Analysis of Quilting Sutures With a Single Axillary Drain Versus Double Drains in the Axillary and Pectoral Regions for the Prevention of Seroma After Modified Radical Mastectomy

Not applicable Interventional Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation · NCT07512141

This trial will test whether using one drain instead of two, together with quilting stitches, reduces fluid buildup, pain, and infections after modified radical mastectomy for adults with breast cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorSindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT07512141 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy will all receive flap quilting (suturing the skin flaps to the pectoralis muscle) and standard skin closure performed by experienced breast surgeons. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either two drains (pectoral and axillary) or a single axillary drain, with a 20 Fr JP drain used in both groups. Outcomes recorded include seroma formation, drain output and duration, pain by Visual Analogue Scale, and surgical site infection, with follow-up on postoperative days 1–30 and at routine clinic visits including day 7 and day 14. Informed consent is obtained in English or Urdu and allocation is done by computer-based randomisation to minimise bias.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–69 with diagnosed breast carcinoma who are scheduled for upfront or post-neoadjuvant modified radical mastectomy are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients having mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, immediate breast reconstruction, or flap coverage are excluded and would not be eligible to benefit from this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less fluid collection, shorter drain times, less pain, and fewer wound infections after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that quilting stitches can reduce seroma formation, but direct comparisons of one versus two drains after quilting have been less commonly reported.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients older than 18 years but less than 70 years of age,
* Diagnosed with breast carcinoma.
* All the patients undergoing upfront MRM,
* All patients undergoing MRM post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mastectomy \& sentinel lymph node biopsy
* Breast reconstruction surgery
* Defect covering flaps

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Seroma Following ProcedureInfectionsPain, PostoperativeSeromaMastectomyBreast
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.