Corticosteroids around breast cancer surgery were linked to lower odds of seroma
A trial review found lower odds of postoperative fluid buildup, but publication bias and varying protocols limit confidence.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The pooled trials found lower odds of seroma after breast cancer surgery among patients receiving corticosteroids around the operation. An adjustment for possible publication bias weakened the estimated effect, although it still favored corticosteroids. The abstract does not provide enough information about harms or treatment protocols to guide a choice of steroid.
The authors report small samples, variable protocols and moderate publication bias. Missing comparator details and adverse-event results limit assessment of the balance between potential benefit and harm.
What researchers found
Postoperative seroma (fluid buildup at the surgical site)
Corticosteroid groups had 0.31 times the comparator odds of seroma. Odds compare patients with seroma to those without it. Comparator regimens and follow-up length were unreported.
What the abstract covers
The review examined corticosteroids given around breast cancer surgery, with postoperative seroma as its main outcome. Analyses explored drug type, timing and delivery route, but the abstract does not supply a complete treatment comparison.
Publication bias changed the estimate
An adjustment for possible publication bias moved the odds ratio to 0.42 (95% CI 0.28–0.63). It still favored corticosteroids, but the shift shows that the estimated effect depended partly on assumptions about missing studies.
The original publication
Does the use of perioperative corticosteroids reduce the incidence of seroma formation after breast cancer surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Alnajjar JS, Bakheet HA, Addas MAM et al.
Ann Saudi Med · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41275348
- Record checked
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