Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
-
Arch Phys Med Rehabil · May 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialUpper limb physical function and adverse effects after breast cancer surgery: a prospective 2.5-year follow-up study and preoperative measures.
To examine upper limb physical function and adverse effects after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with breast cancer to identify impairments that can inform rehabilitation strategies. ⋯ Adverse effects in both affected and control/unaffected upper limb were observed after 2.5-year follow-up in both ALND and SLNB groups, but a higher prevalence was observed in the ALND group. Thus, women going through ALND surgery may benefit from further postoperative physical therapy, including resistance and strength exercise, focusing on pain management.