Abstract

Objectives: To compare the overall and individual incidence of postoperative complications, comfort and quality of life resulting from the use of compressive bandaging versus a specific controlled compression garment.

Patients and method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 198 patients distributed in 2 groups: bandaging (n = 88) and compression garment (n = 99). Variables related to immediate postoperative complications and satisfaction with quality of life were collected. Changes in the variables were compared in the 2 groups during the first postoperative month.

Results: The incidence of total complications was significantly lower with the compression arment: 7 days (P =.032) and 15 days (P =.009). Pain was significantly reduced with the compression garment: 7 days (P =.002) and 15 days (P =.012). The incidence of skin injury was also significantly reduced: 0%-2% with the compression garment versus 35% with bandaging (P < 0.0005). Significant differences were also found in quality of life in favor of the use of the compression garment (P < 0.0005).

Conclusion: The use of a specific controlled compression garment in the immediate postoperative period after breast cancer-conserving surgery reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications from 32% to 15% and enhanced efficacy, safety, and patient comfort compared with the usual compressive dressing.