Axillary node dissection in outpatient procedure, is it feasible and safe?

Outpatient procedure in cancer surgery is one of the tracks to guarantee the quality of care respecting the delay of support. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of outpatients with axillary lymphadenectomy and the postoperative morbidity after outpatient's procedures compared to patients with classic hospitalization.

Patients who underwent axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer or melanoma were analyzed. We selected patients having axillary lymphadenectomy only or associated with another operative act compatible with outpatient's procedure (partial mastectomy, lumpectomy or skin excisions).

Three hundred and forty-nine patients were included. Outpatient procedures were performed in 142 patients (40.7%) and inpatient procedures were performed in 207 patients (59.3%). All time complications combined, we found 148 patients with at least one complication: 77 patients (52.0%) and 71 patients (48.0%) in outpatient and inpatient group, respectively (p=0.0002). The main complication was seroma formation, it concerned 104 patients Among them, Seroma formation was more frequent in ambulatory group, 60 patients (57.7%) and 44 patients (42.3%) in traditional hospitalization (p<0.0001) but 58.7% (61/104) needed only one aspiration and all complications were managed in outpatient.

Complications (mostly seroma) appeared usually after hospitalization discharge and they were known and simple to take in charge. A precise preoperative information concerning post-operative morbidity, specially seroma allows a better comprehension and acceptation of this side effect. We believe that this surgery is feasible and safe in outpatient procedure.