Total number of lymph nodes and numer of metastatic lymph nodes harvested during radical mastectomy did not influence early postoperative drainage volume

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed at evaluation of the influence of the extent of axillary lymph node dissection, measured by the total number of lymph nodes harvested, on the drainage volume. We also looked at the lymph node positivity (N+) and the number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes as a potential prognostic factors in this regard. Material and methods: We have analysed the data of 63 patients (F/M: 62/1) with breast cancer, who underwent radical modified mastectomy in 2008-2009 in the single department of surgical oncology. Results: We observed no significant correlation between the 1) total number of axillary lymph nodes harvested during lymphadenectomy, 2) presence of metastatic lymph nodes (node positive disease), 3) number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes and: drainage volume on the day of surgery, drainage volume on three consecutive postoperative days and drainage volume from the day of surgery to drain removal. Conclusion: The extent of axillary lymph node dissection, measured by the total number of lymph nodes excised, did not influence drainage volume after radical modified mastectomy. Neither total number of metastatic lymph nodes excised nor the node positivity (N+) were associated with increased drainage volume after mastectomy with axillary dissection.