This study aimed at identifying complications, intercurrences and the appearance of edema following breast cancer surgery as well as factors that could predispose to arm lymphedema on the operated side. It is a descriptive and prospective study based on a quantitative approach. The subjects consisted of 17 women submitted to unilateral mastectomy in a University Hospital. Data were collected by means of a weekly post-operative follow-up of each patient for a period of three months. Edema was detected in 11 women, nine of wich were in mild level and two in moderate level. It must be emphasized that even mild-level edema could become severe if not treated appropriately. Among the women with edema, complications, intercurrences and other variables were observed. The results revealed the importance of nursing follow-up during the mastectomy post-operative period as well as the need for better staff training for patient guidance aiming at edema prevention.
lymphedema; mastectomy; breast cancer
