AXILLARY SURGERY IN BREAST CANCER CLINICAL STAGE T1-T2N0M0: POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN A HOSPITAL COHORT OF WOMEN IN RIO DE JANEIRO.

Flávia O. Macedo, Anke Bergmann, Daniele M. Torres, Erica A. N. Fabro, Flávia O. Ferreira, Marianna B. de A. Lou, Rejane M. Costa, Ilce F. da Silva

Institution: Instituto Nacional de Câncer -INCA/HCIII

“Objectives: To characterize the incidence of postoperative complications in women with breast cancer classification T1 and T2N0M0 diagnosed and treated at the National Cancer Institute (INCA) between 2007-2009 according to axillary surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy –SLNB and axillary lymphadenectomy – AL). Methods: Observational study of a cohort of 933 women with clinical diagnosis T1-T2N0M0 treated at Cancer Hospital III of the National Cancer Institute (HC-III/INCA) in 2007-2009, and followed by a period of 60 months. Data collection was based on analysis of the Hospital Registry Cancer, the physical and/or electronic records of patients – HCIII/INCA and clinical evaluation form the Physical Therapy Service of the HC-III/INCA. Among the evaluated information included sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle habits, implemented treatments and outcome variables. The outcome variables were those related to post-surgical complications in the affected upper limb and surgical wound. Results: The cohort was divided into 683 women undergoing SLNB, 144 to SLNB followed by AL and 106 patients received AL directly. Women undergoing SLNB estimate showed a significantly lower risk of postoperative complications when compared to women undergoing AL (axillary web syndrome: 6,0% vs 22,5%; OR: 0,37 IC95% 0,21 – 0,63; paresthesia: 45,2% vs 89,8%; OR: 0,10 IC95% 0,06 – 0,16; winged scapula: 9,1% vs 50,0%; OR: 0,12 IC95% 0,08 – 0,18; seroma: 28,5% vs 69,4%; OR: 0,32 IC95% 0,22 – 0,47; wound infection: 3,8% vs 12,9%; OR: 0,38 IC95% 0,22 – 0,70; lymphedema: 3,2% vs 56,7%; HR: 0,23 IC95% 0,11 – 0,48). Conclusion: SLNB technique proved to be an independent protective factor for complications such as seroma, wound infection, axillary web syndrome, paresthesia, winged scapula and lymphedema compared to AL.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Axillary Lymphadenectomy; Postoperative complications.”

Return