Complications of breast surgery

Surgical procedures performed for diagnosis and treatment of breast disease have become progressively less invasive. As an increasing proportion of breast surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, identification and management of postoperative problems have become a collaborative effort involving the surgeon, the patient, home care services and medical office staff. Although this shift to outpatient care has created a number of challenges, complication rates are no higher when breast procedures are performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis. Perioperative, short-term and long-term complications, including wound complications, injuries to adjacent structures, lymphedema, and pain syndromes are discussed.