Axillary web syndrome following secondary breast-conserving surgery: a case report

Panmei Wei,Fengxi Su,Kai Chen,Weijuan Jia,Yue Hu,Liling Zhu

doi:10.1186/1477-7819-11-8

Panmei Wei, Fengxi Su + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-11-8

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Abstract

BackgroundAxillary web syndrome is a cause of significant morbidity in the early postoperative period after axillary surgery.Case presentationA patient developed axillary web syndrome after secondary breast surgery and recovered in 3 weeks through physical therapy and using Aescuven Forte.DiscussionThe pathogenesis of axillary web syndrome is not clear. It is reported that axillary surgery is the main cause. The presented case indicates that tissue injury might be an important cause of axillary web syndrome. Though axillary web syndrome is self-limiting, special physical therapy and Aescuven Forte can shorten the natural duration.ConclusionSecondary breast surgery could cause axillary web syndrome. Physical therapy and Aescuven Forte could shorten the duration of the self-limited morbidity.

Highlights

Axillary web syndrome is a cause of significant morbidity in the early postoperative period after axillary surgery
Axillary web syndrome (AWS), which is characterized by visible or palpable cord-like subcutaneous tissue, primarily develops under the axilla but can extend into the medial arm and even down to the antecubital fossa and wrist. It is a cause of significant morbidity in the early postoperative period after axillary surgery
To illustrate this poorly understood clinical syndrome, we present a case of AWS developing after secondary breast-conserving surgery

Summary

Background

Axillary web syndrome (AWS), which is characterized by visible or palpable cord-like subcutaneous tissue, primarily develops under the axilla but can extend into the medial arm and even down to the antecubital fossa and wrist. It is a cause of significant morbidity in the early postoperative period after axillary surgery. Three days after the secondary breast surgery, the patient complained of severe pain in the ipsilateral axilla and interior aspect of the arm after shoulder abduction and a subcutaneous cord-like structure in the axilla.

Discussion

Conclusion