Motion Restriction and Axillary Web Syndrome After Sentinel Node Biopsy and Axillary Clearance in Breast Cancer

Overview

Journal Am J Surg

Specialty General Surgery

Date 2003 Feb 1

PMID 12559441

Citations 52

Authors

Marjut Leidenius

Esa Leppanen

Leena Krogerus

Karl von Smitten

Affiliations

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Abstract

Background: We evaluated the prevalence of motion restriction and axillary web syndrome (AWS) after sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and axillary clearance (AC) in a prospective study. AWS is a self-limiting cause of early postoperative morbidity after axillary surgery. Limited range of motion associated with palpable cords of tissue in the axilla are typical for AWS.

Methods: Altogether 85 breast cancer patients who underwent SNB only (49 patients) or SNB and AC (36 patients) were examined before and after surgery. The range of shoulder flexion and abduction and the presence of AWS were registered.

Results: The range of shoulder movements was restricted in 24 (45%) patients after SNB only and in 31 (86%) patients who also underwent AC (P = 0.002). AWS was encountered in 10 (20%) patients with SNB and in 26 (72%) with AC (P <0.00005).

Conclusions: In the SNB group, significantly less early postoperative morbidity was observed.

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