Preventing the Development of Recurrence and Postoperative Seroma of Elastofibroma Dorsi

Abstract

Objectives: Elastofibroma dorsi is a benign and infrequent tumor of uncertain etiology usually located at the subscapular region. We present our experience in the treatment of elastofibroma dorsi. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 20 marginal excisions in 14 patients with the diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi during a period of seven years. All patients underwent a marginal excision and also had flat silicone suction drains in the surgery site with pressure wound dressing to avoid seroma. Clinical parameters including age, gender, body mass index, type and duration of symptoms, radiological method of diagnosis, side and size of tumor, extent of surgical margin, complications and recurrence were examined. Results: The patients are 4 male and 10 female with a median age of 54.2 years. Six patients presented with bilateral lesions. Symptoms are pain during movement and snapping scapula lasting for approximately nine months. The overall mean of tumor volume is 332.2 cm'. Overall free surgical margin has an average of 1.14 cm. The only postoperative complication is a seroma in one (5%) patient. No patient had recurrence. Conclusion: Current treatment modality of elastofibroma dorsi is a marginal excision. Flat suction drains in the surgery site and pressure wound dressing is of particular importance to prevent the most common postoperative complication.