Clinical Outcomes of a Rehabilitation Program Following Immediate Breast Reconstruction: a Retrospective Cohort Study

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of shoulder range of motion deficiency, wound healing problems, and vascular-related complications in women who underwent a rehabilitation program after immediate breast reconstruction for breast cancer.

We analyzed data from 145 women. The rehabilitation program lasted 4 to 8 weeks and consisted of verbal and written guidance regarding limb care and daily activities in the immediate postoperative period and after medical clearance, group, or individual active exercise sessions. Wound healing problems and vascular-related complications and shoulder range of motion were evaluated at the end of the program.

Patients' mean age was 48.7 (SD = 10.9) years old. The mean time between surgery and first rehabilitation session was 38.32 (SD = 23.2) days, and the mean number of face-to-face sessions was 6.1 (SD = 2.3). The most common complication was scar adherence (20.6%). Shoulder range of motion restrictions were associated with the type of reconstruction (autologous tissue + implant), scar adherence, dehiscence, and axillary web syndrome (P = .011; P = .017; P = .025, respectively).

Rehabilitation following breast reconstruction did not increase the risk of complications. Restrictions to the shoulder range of motion were associated with scar adherence, axillary web syndrome, and breast reconstruction using a combination of implants and autologous tissue.