MIBC 2018: Musculoskeletal Side Effects of Breast Reconstructive Surgery
Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Breast reconstructive surgery can negatively affect physical function and activity levels in women, reported Deirdre E. McGhee, PhD, and Julie R. Steele, PhD, of the University of Wollongong, Australia. Their findings (Abstract OR13) were presented at the 2018 Melbourne International Joint Breast Congress (MIBC).
In their study, an online survey collected responses from 229 women who had breast reconstructive surgery. Respondents were asked to rank their perceived incidence and severity of related musculoskeletal side effects at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. They included scars; bra discomfort; pain/dysfunction in the shoulder, torso, lower back, and donor site; lymphedema; and sleep discomfort.
The mean incidence and severity of side effects decreased over time. However, at 6 months after surgery, approximately 50% of respondents indicated their physical function and activity levels were adversely affected. About one-third of these respondents indicated side effects to be of moderately to highly severe.
In light of the fact that physical activity is linked to improved cancer survival rates, and the increasing number of women undergoing breast reconstructive surgery, the side effects highlighted in this study may have broad implications. The authors concluded, “Women require assistance to manage the musculoskeletal side effects of breast reconstructive surgery to regain physical function.”
