Incidence and Spectrum of Postoperative Complications Following Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Modified radical mastectomy remains an essential surgical procedure for locally advanced breast cancer, but is associated with wound-related, lymphatic, and functional postoperative complications.

Objective: To determine the incidence, spectrum, and predictors of postoperative complications following modified radical mastectomy.

Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Shalamar Hospital Lahore, from-April 2025 to April 2026. Medical records of 85 patients who underwent primary unilateral modified radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, tumour-related, operative, and postoperative data were retrieved using a structured proforma. Patients were followed through available records for three months after surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any postoperative complication.

Results: The mean age was 52.8 ± 10.9 years, and 54 (63.5%) patients were postmenopausal. Diabetes mellitus was present in 19 (22.4%) patients, hypertension in 27 (31.8%), anaemia in 29 (34.1%), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy had been received by 23 (27.1%). Stage III disease was documented in 50 (58.8%) patients. The mean operative duration was 133.6 ± 23.7 minutes, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 258.0 ± 81.0 mL, and the mean drain-retention duration was 8.6 ± 2.4 days. 29 (34.1%) patients developed at least one postoperative complication. Seroma was the most frequent complication, occurring in 15 (17.6%) patients.

Conclusion: Postoperative complications occurred in approximately one-third of patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy, with seroma and prolonged drain output being the most common.