Early Postoperative Outcomes of Breast Cancer Surgery in a Developing Country.

Farrukh H Rizvi,Faisal Nadeem,Muhammad Faisal Murad,Muneeb Ullah,Talal Almas,Muhammad Kashif Khan,Aabid Ali,Adil Shafi

doi:10.7759/cureus.9941

Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer remains the most common cause of cancer related mortality amongst women in Pakistan. Postoperative complications can demoralize the patients and potentially delay adjuvant treatment, leading to adverse outcomes. The overarching aim of the study is to delineate the early postoperative outcomes of breast cancer surgery in Pakistan.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study involving patients who underwent breast cancer surgery from June 2016 to December 2019 was conducted. Perioperative morbidities (30 days) were evaluated and documented. The results obtained were analyzed using the SPSS 23 software (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY).ResultsA total of 94 patients were included in the study, with the mean age of 50±12.8 years. Breast conserving surgery was performed in 32% (n=31) of the patients, while the remaining 68% (n=63) underwent modified radical mastectomy. The most common complications were seroma formation, flap necrosis and hematoma formation and were observed in 5.3% (n=5), 4.3% (n=4) and 3.2% (n=3) of the patients, respectively.ConclusionEarly postoperative complications can delay the commencement of adjuvant systemic therapy required for further management of breast cancer. These complications elicit equally grave consequences for patients undergoing breast conserving surgery and modified radical mastectomy.

Highlights

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy worldwide and boasts the highest incidence rate among all types of cancers [1,2]
Breast conserving surgery was performed in 32% (n=31) of the patients, while the remaining 68% (n=63) underwent modified radical mastectomy
We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent breast cancer surgery between June 2016 and December 2019 at Maroof International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy worldwide and boasts the highest incidence rate among all types of cancers [1,2]. There is a significant variation in the five-year survival rates worldwide; in the developed world, for instance, the five-year survival rate approaches 83.2% while that in developing countries such as Brazil and. India it hovers at 58% and 52.1%, respectively [3,4]. In Pakistan, patients present late either due to a lack of awareness about the disease or due to access merely to rudimentary resources. Additional reasons, such as fear of an impending surgery and chemotherapy, explain the dilatory presentation.

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Methods

Conclusion