Delayed shoulder exercises in reducing seroma frequency after modified radical mastectomy: a prospective randomized...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Complications
• Physiotherapy

Background:

• Modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer can lead to seromas and impaired shoulder function.
• Postoperative physiotherapy is commonly initiated early to prevent shoulder dysfunction.
• The study investigates the impact of delayed exercises on seroma frequency and shoulder function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if delaying postoperative shoulder exercises reduces seroma incidence after mastectomy.
• To assess if delayed exercises increase shoulder dysfunction compared to early physiotherapy.
• To optimize recovery protocols for breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized study involving 163 breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.
• Patients were assigned to physiotherapy starting on postoperative day 1 or day 7.
• Seroma incidence and shoulder function were monitored by surgeons and physiotherapists.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher seroma rate (38%) was observed in the early physiotherapy group (day 1) compared to the delayed group (22%, day 7).
• No significant difference in late shoulder function outcomes was found between the two groups.
• Delayed physiotherapy effectively reduced seroma complications without compromising shoulder mobility.

Conclusions:

• Delaying shoulder exercises by one week post-mastectomy significantly reduces seroma incidence in breast cancer patients.
• Early postoperative physiotherapy is not required to prevent impaired shoulder function.
• A one-week delay in initiating shoulder exercises is a safe and effective strategy.