Prevention of lymphedema and functional recovery following mastectomy: A systematic review with meta-analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i7.1266Keywords:
Lymph Node Excision; Physiotherapy; Mastectomy; Breast Cancer; Lymphedema.Abstract
Introduction: Lymphedema is one of the main chronic complications observed in women undergoing surgical treatment for breast cancer, especially after mastectomy associated with lymph node dissection. This condition may cause increased upper limb volume, pain, functional limitations, impaired quality of life, and increased postoperative morbidity. Objective: To investigate the effects of physiotherapeutic interventions on the prevention and reduction of lymphedema related to the postoperative period following mastectomy in women with breast cancer. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) protocol. Randomised clinical trials and controlled clinical studies that evaluated interventions such as resistance training, therapeutic exercises, manual lymphatic drainage and preventive strategies were included. The risk of bias was critically assessed and also evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. Quantitative synthesis was conducted using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between physiotherapeutic interventions and control groups regarding the incidence of lymphedema. However, the studies demonstrated improvements in the functionality of the affected limb and did not show a significant increase in adverse events. Conclusion: Current evidence indicates that physiotherapeutic interventions are not superior in preventing the incidence of post-mastectomy lymphedema. Nevertheless, these strategies appear to be safe and potentially beneficial for patients’ functional recovery and physical rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jéssica Amanda Lopes, Luiza Veiga Reis Costa Pinto , Paula Vieira Penha, Thiago Nani dos Santos, Sophia Lara Guerra Souza (Autor)
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