Problem Faced by Post-Operative Modified Mastectomy Patients during their Hospital Stay

Background: Globally, the incidence of breast cancer is on the rise and is one of the leading causes of death among women aged 35–50 years. The primary treatment of breast cancer remains the surgical removal of all gross evidence of cancer i.e. Mastectomy and has an adverse impact on physical, psychological, psycho-social and financial aspect of life.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the problems faced by postoperative modified mastectomy patients during their hospital stay.Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted in among 30 post operative MRM patients who were admitted in the surgical wards of AIIMS. The subjects were conveniently selected and a questionnaire to assess the physical, psychological and financial problems was administered.Results: Majority of the subjects was married (70%), (93.3%) were in their 2ndpost-operative day of mastectomy and had moderate pain at the operated site during their hospital stay (76.7%). Most commonly reported physical problems included restrictions of movements in performing activity of daily living (90%), fatigue (90%) and decreased sleep(50%).Majority of them (80%) sometimes required analgesics to relieve pain, had felt that post mastectomy exercises were sometimes an extra burden on them (63.3%).Nearly half of them (46.7%) had depression and anxiety while facing other mastectomy patients.Conclusion: Post operatively most of the patients experience physical and psychological problems. Hencenurses and other healthcare professionals should focus on the specific needs of post mastectomy patients.