A Study of Common Impairements Following Modified Radical Mastectomy

Objective: To determine the pattern of impairments following MRM with axillary clearance for established cases of early carcinoma of breast.

Material and Method: This descriptive study was carried out in the P.T. School and Center, in G.M.C.H. Oncology Dept. & Surgery Dept., RSTCH, Gupte Cancer Hsp., Columbia Cancer Hsp., Baraskar Cancer Hsp. & Care Hsp., Nagpur from Dec. 2011- April 2012, Maharashtra. The study included female patients with the established diagnosis of early carcinoma of breast (stage I, stage II) and had undergone MRM with axillary clearance within pass six months. These patients, even if undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy were assessed for postoperative complications on outpatient basis.

Results: During the study period, 30 patients underwent MRM with axillary clearance as per inclusion criteria, were assessed. Average age of the patients was 43+12.3 SD. Characteristics of impairments seen after MRM on all thirty patients implies that the most common impairment observed grossly was pain which was 19%, which was followed by postural deviations i.e. 17%. The next most dreadful impairment documented was lymphedema of arm, which was 16% also reduced flexibility of muscles observed, was the same. Restricted ROM at shoulder seen was (11) 7% out of 30 patients, reduced strength (19) 12% & impairments due to scar like adherence, infection documented was (8) 5%.

Conclusion: Pain at various sites, postural deviations, lymphedema, tightness of anterior chest wall, restricted shoulder range of motion, scar related complications like adherence, infection & reduced chest expansion for established cases of early carcinoma of breast are impairments of MRM with axillary dissection that may be detected and treated well through proper postoperative physiotherapy care.