Incidence of Axillary web syndrome after breast cancer surgery

Abstract

Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication characterized by long cords of subcutaneous tissue extending from the axillary into the medial arm, anticubital and forearm. This occurs in patients after breast cancer surgery leads to limitation of shoulder and arm movement. There is little supporting literature. This complication has been shown little concern or may not yet be recognized by many medical doctors and physiotherapists. The study aimed to identify any incidences and of AWS in patients after breast cancer surgery during the first 12 weeks. The study was a prospective cohort study of 91 women who had underwent surgical treatment of breast cancer. Eighty-nine patients completed. They will be assessed and measured variable include for palpate of cording, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, the modified neurovascular tension test (MNVT) and modified quick DASH. AWS was found in 21 patients (23.60%) 95% confident interval (CI) 14.0 to 32.0. The onset of AWS developed between 6-12 weeks after breast cancer surgery. Axillary web syndrome is a significant cause of morbidity of breast cancer surgery, found in the early post-operative period. Incidence of severe AWS occur despite patients had the exercise routine program at home. Therefore physiotherapists must aware and have a plan exercise program of physical therapy after breast cancer surgery patients. And advise patients to monitor and prevent or treat early.