Background: Axillary node dissection (ALND) is still required in patients with breast cancer (BC) but unfortunately, it can cause some complications, such as increased amount of drainage and seroma formation, which subsequently worsen their quality-of-life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a harmonic dissection device (HDD), which reduces the risk of complications, can improve the short-term postoperative QoL of patients who underwent breast surgery. Methods: Sixty-eight women (median age 60, range 34-67 years) undergoing curative surgery for primary pT1-2 BC were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to whether or not a HDD was used (Group 1, N=32; Group 2, N=36, respectively). Health-related QoL was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (MOS-SF-36). Results: Age, body mass index (BMI), tumor stage, number of the removed nodes, type of surgery did not differ (p=NS) between groups. The total output of drainage was significantly reduced in Group 1, and also the formation of seromas was reduced in number. The results of the MOS-S-36 are shown in the Table. Conclusions: In patients undergoing ALND for BC the use of a HDD reduces some postoperative complications, such as output of drainage and seroma formation. However, these benefits have a limited impact on QoL of patients, since a few parameters of the MOS-SF-36 form improve significantly.

Quality-of-life after breast surgery in patients with breast cancer who underwent axillary lymph node dissection using harmonic dissection devices.

LUMACHI, FRANCO;
2014

Abstract

Background: Axillary node dissection (ALND) is still required in patients with breast cancer (BC) but unfortunately, it can cause some complications, such as increased amount of drainage and seroma formation, which subsequently worsen their quality-of-life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a harmonic dissection device (HDD), which reduces the risk of complications, can improve the short-term postoperative QoL of patients who underwent breast surgery. Methods: Sixty-eight women (median age 60, range 34-67 years) undergoing curative surgery for primary pT1-2 BC were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to whether or not a HDD was used (Group 1, N=32; Group 2, N=36, respectively). Health-related QoL was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (MOS-SF-36). Results: Age, body mass index (BMI), tumor stage, number of the removed nodes, type of surgery did not differ (p=NS) between groups. The total output of drainage was significantly reduced in Group 1, and also the formation of seromas was reduced in number. The results of the MOS-S-36 are shown in the Table. Conclusions: In patients undergoing ALND for BC the use of a HDD reduces some postoperative complications, such as output of drainage and seroma formation. However, these benefits have a limited impact on QoL of patients, since a few parameters of the MOS-SF-36 form improve significantly.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3135527
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