Resumen

GUTIERREZ PEREZ, Erick E. et al. Prevalence of upper extremity lymphedema after mastectomy for breast cancer. Cir. gen [online]. 2014, vol.36, n.3, pp.145-149. ISSN 1405-0099.

Introduction: Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a complication after surgery due to breast cancer. The incidence varies depending on several aspects, including the surgical technique used, the anatomical area affected, and the use of radiotherapy. It is presented as painless swelling of the affected limb in its distal part that progress proximally. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of upper extremity lymphedema secondary to mastectomy

in patients with breast cancer.

Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in which all records of patient who underwent a surgery were reviewed. A total of 334 patients were included. The variables studied were age, presence of upper limb lymphedema, lymphedema stage classifi cation, mechanism of lymphedema, time after intervention, and management.

Results: Of the 334 patients, lymphedema occurred in 32.63% of the total. Of these, 54 cases (57.4%) were grade 2 lymphedema. Among the 98 patients undergoing conservative surgery, only 7 showed grade 1 lymphedema.

Conclusion: The prevalence of lymphedema, is similar to the results of others worldwide studies, with about 30 percent for those with mastectomy and less than 10 percent for those who underwent conservative surgery, and a higher rate of lymphedema for those who underwent radical surgery.

Palabras llave : Postmastectomy lymphedema; Breast cancer.

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