Clinical outcomes after modified radical mastectomy in a tertiary care hospital: An observational study

Background: Despite advances in medical sciences, modified radical mastectomy (MRM) remains the mainstay of treatment in breast cancer management in India. However, a wide range (0.8%–26%) of postoperative complications occur following MRM. Lacunae exist in the existing extensive medical literature regarding any correlation between preoperative staging and demographic profile of such patients with the incidence of these complications, which might aid in adapting a preventive approach accordingly. Aim: The aim of this work was to study the association of preoperative tumor size, nodal status, and clinical profile (age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension) of breast cancer patients with the postoperative complications (seroma formation, surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, paresthesia, and lymphedema). Methods: All patients diagnosed with carcinoma breast and undergoing MRM. a. Settings and Design: This was a prospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital. b. Duration: Two years. c. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were recorded in an Excel datasheet and statistically analyzed by using the SPSS version 22.0. Results: A significant positive association was established between seroma formation, wound dehiscence with increasing age (P = 0.006), tumor staging (P = 0.003), and nodal staging (P = 0.022). However, no significant correlation could be established between the other parameters that were studied. Conclusion: Meticulous surgical techniques and postoperative care should be used to reduce Seroma formation and wound dehiscence in patients with advanced age, higher tumor, and nodal staging.