Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of active exercise and manual lymphatic drainage
(MLD) on postoperative wound healing complications, shoulder range of motion
(ROM) and upper limb (UL) perimetry in women undergoing radical mastectomy for
breast cancer. METHODS: Controlled non-randomized clinical trial with 89 women
undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (Brazilian
Registry of Clinical Trials: 906). Women were matched for staging, age and body
mass index, with 46 women allocated to the exercise group and 43 in the MLD
group, receiving 2 weekly sessions during one month. Assessments were performed
in the preoperative and 60 d after surgery, including inspection, palpation,
goniometry and perimetry. RESULTS: No significant difference existed between
groups relative to individual and clinical surgical characteristics. The
incidence of seroma, number of punctures performed, dehiscence and infection was
similar in both groups. A comparison of shoulder ROM and UL perimetry between
groups, obtained in the preoperative and postoperative period, did not show any
significant difference. CONCLUSION: The performance of active exercise or MLD did
not demonstrate difference in wound healing complications, shoulder ROM and UL
perimetry at 60 d after surgery, suggesting that these techniques may be
employed, according to the complaints or symptoms of each woman and physical
therapist experience.

Langue : ANGLAIS