A short term evaluation of the effectiveness of retrograde modified radical mastectomy

Objective To evaluate the short term effectiveness of retrograde modified radical mastectomy.Methods Eighty patients undergoing retrograde modified radical mastectomy(mastectomy following axillary lymph nodes clearance),compared with 84 patients undergoing radical mastectomy(Auchincloss' methods).To evaluate the comparative effectiveness by means of short term follow-up,operating time,hospital stay,drainage amount,lymph nodes clearance and wound complications.Results The mean operating times of retrograde modified radical mastectomy and classical radical mastectomy were 121.43 min and 120.63 min respectively,the mean hospital stay was 7.49 day and 7.75 day respectively,the mean drainage time was 5.12 day and 5.00 day respectively,the amount of axillary lymph nodes excised was 25.49 and 24.71 respectively,the percentage of metastasis lymph nodes was 42.86% and 46.25% respectively.There was significance difference in the two groups of the first day drainage amount(P=0.013).The mean first day drainage amount of patients who underwent classical radical mastectomy was 168 mL,ranging from 50～300 mL.The mean first day drainage amount of patients who underwent retrograde modified radical mastectomy was 144 mL,ranging from 50～250 mL.There were no difference of wound complications within the follow-up period between the two groups.Conclusions Retrograde modified radical mastectomy is a new operation technique,modifying the Auchincloss' radical mastectomy.It is in accord with the surgical principle in managing the malignant tumors.It is safe,easy to perform and not causing more complications.