Early Postoperative Outcomes in Lumpectomy and Simple Mastectomy in Patients with Early-Stage Carcinoma of the Breast

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer has been rising in our country. Therefore, a clear knowledge of the surgical options for breast cancer is very important. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can reduce the risk of adverse consequences including death. This study aimed to compare early postoperative outcomes in lumpectomy and simple mastectomy in patients with early-stage carcinoma of the breast. Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from July 2022 to June 2023. Female patients with early-stage breast carcinoma who met the eligibility criteria and underwent either simple mastectomy or lumpectomy were included. A total of 50 cases were selected using a convenient sampling technique and divided into two groups: Group A (lumpectomy) and Group B (simple mastectomy). Data was analyzed statistically by using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-26). Result: This study found that tumor characteristics, receptor status, and most postoperative complications were similar between lumpectomy (Group A) and simple mastectomy (Group B), except for a significantly higher incidence of flap necrosis in Group B (20%, p=0.018). Additionally, while baseline quality of life (QOL) scores was comparable, patients who underwent lumpectomy showed significantly better physical functioning at 4-6 weeks postoperatively (62.15±20.41 vs. 54.56±22.04, p=0.039), indicating a potential functional advantage of lumpectomy over simple mastectomy in the early recovery period. Conclusion: It can be concluded that breast conservative surgery or lumpectomy in early-stage breast cancer has fewer early postoperative complications than simple mastectomy.