A prospective study on delayed shoulder exercises in reducing seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy

Background Seroma formation is a well-known complication after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer. Another well known complication is shoulder movement dysfunction following the same operation. Traditionally, patients were asked to perform exercises of the shoulders as early as possible after surgery in the belief that it reduces subsequent shoulder dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether delayed shoulder exercises after MRM could reduce seroma formation without compromising the outcome of shoulder mobility.