MASTECTOMY, MODIFIED RADICAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the breast.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Breast; lymph glands (sometimes).

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Cancer of the breast.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity or poor nutrition.
• Smoking; stress.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon or oncological surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; mammogram; needle biopsy (See Glossary for all).
• During surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue by frozen section.
• After surgery: Blood studies; laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made encompassing the entire breast.
• The underlying tissue is cut free and removed in one piece with the lymph glands from the armpit. Bleeding is controlled with ties and electrocauterization. A tube is inserted for drainage.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• See Breast Reconstruction in Surgery section.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Depression.
• Accumulation of blood under the skin in the surgical area.
• Limited shoulder motion.
• Nerve damage.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2 to 4 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing of the surgical wound. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein clots.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. After recovery, exercise your arm as directed by your doctor. > Resume driving 2 weeks after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when able.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occurs:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Nausea, vomiting or constipation.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• Redness, warmth, swelling, stiffness or hardness in the affected arm or hand.
• New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.