Axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer – the influence of shoulder mobilisation on lymphatic drainage

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to study the influence of external axillary compression dressing with immobilisation of the ipsilateral shoulder after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) on postoperative axillary drainage. Methods: One hundred consecutive women with breast cancer undergo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of surgical oncology 2003-05, Vol.29 (4), p.303-305
Main Authors: Christodoulakis, M., Sanidas, E., de Bree, E., Michalakis, J., Volakakis, E., Tsiftsis, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Axilla
Bandages
breast cancer, axillary node dissection, drainage
Breast Neoplasms - surgery
Case-Control Studies
Female
Humans
Immobilization - adverse effects
Length of Stay
Lymph Node Excision - adverse effects
Lymphedema - etiology
Lymphedema - prevention & control
Middle Aged
Movement
Shoulder
Suction
Time Factors
Treatment Failure
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Aim: The purpose of the present study was to study the influence of external axillary compression dressing with immobilisation of the ipsilateral shoulder after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) on postoperative axillary drainage. Methods: One hundred consecutive women with breast cancer undergoing ALND were enrolled in this study. They were allowed free shoulder movement and were compared with a matched historical control group of 60 patients, in whom the ipsilateral arm was immobilised for four days. For all patients the amount of drainage was recorded each postoperative day until drain removal. Prognostic data on drainage amounts and duration were gathered from all patients. Complications were recorded. Results: Hospital stay was the only statistically significant difference between the two groups, it was prolonged for patients with immobilisation of the arm. The parameters found to influence the drain production with a statistically significant difference were body mass index and the removal of more than 10 lymph nodes. Postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Conclusions: External compression dressing of the axillary cavity with immobilisation of the ipsilateral arm has no impact on the postoperative drainage volume and duration. It is associated with adverse effects, such as discomfort, prolonged hospital stay and shoulder stiffness.
ISSN:0748-7983
1532-2157
DOI:10.1053/ejso.2002.1317