Complications and intercurrences associated with arm edema in the first three months following mastectomy

Authors

  • Marislei Sanches Panobianco Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto
  • Marli Villela Mamede Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692002000400012

Keywords:

lymphedema, mastectomy, breast cancer

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying complications, intercurrences and the appearance of edema following breast cancer surgery as well as factors that could predispose to arm lymphedema on the operated side. It is a descriptive and prospective study based on a quantitative approach. The subjects consisted of 17 women submitted to unilateral mastectomy in a University Hospital. Data were collected by means of a weekly post-operative follow-up of each patient for a period of three months. Edema was detected in 11 women, nine of wich were in mild level and two in moderate level. It must be emphasized that even mild-level edema could become severe if not treated appropriately. Among the women with edema, complications, intercurrences and other variables were observed. The results revealed the importance of nursing follow-up during the mastectomy post-operative period as well as the need for better staff training for patient guidance aiming at edema prevention.

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Published

2002-07-01

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 4 (2002)

Section

Original Articles

License

RLAE’s authorship concept is based on the substantial contribution by each of the individuals listed as authors, mainly in terms of conceiving and planning the research project, collecting or analyzing and interpreting data, writing and critical review. Indication of authors’ names under the article title is limited to six. If more, authors are listed on the online submission form under Acknowledgements. The possibility of including more than six authors will only be examined on multicenter studies, considering the explanations presented by the authors.
Including names of authors whose contribution does not fit into the above criteria cannot be justified. Those names can be included in the Acknowledgements section.
 Authors are fully responsible for the concepts disseminated in their manuscripts, which do not necessarily reflect the editors’ and editorial board’s opinion.

 

How to Cite

Panobianco, M. S., & Mamede, M. V. (2002). Complications and intercurrences associated with arm edema in the first three months following mastectomy. Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 10(4), 544-551. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692002000400012