Mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)

Removal of your whole breast in larger breast cancers and removal of lymph nodes from the armpit.

Speciality General Surgery, Breast Surgery
Urgency elective, urgent
Duration 1.5 to 2.5 h
Blood Loss 250 to 500 ml
Anaesthesia General Anaesthetic +/- Nerve Block
Nerve Blocks Intercostal, Paravertebral
Pain moderate (+++)
Post-op Pain Nerve Block up to 10-30 hours
Post-op Pain II Tablets, Suppositories, Injection (im, iv), +/- PCA
Hospital Stay Day Surgery (a few hours) to 2 days
Full Recovery 3 to 6 weeks
Additional Info The risk of chronic pain after the operation is 30-40% / Therefore early, aggressive and effective treatment of pain is necessary / an implant can be inserted
More Information Cancer Research UK

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