A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast. Although these surgeries are typically done after breast cancer has already developed, they are occasionally done if breast cancer is likely to develop. The operation itself takes approximately one to two hours, but complete recovery can take up to six months. As with any surgery, certain complications may arise after surgery. With a mastectomy, it is extremely important to follow a strict postsurgical treatment plan to prevent an infection.
Postsurgical Care
The most important strategy for preventing infection is to keep the incision clean and dry. After the mastectomy, the area will be bandaged. Your nurse should explain the proper techniques for incision and bandage care. The stitches or staples should be cleaned at least once per day with mild soap and water. After cleaning the area, dry it thoroughly and apply a new bandage. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic cream, which should be applied to the incision before it is bandaged. If the bandage becomes wet or dirty, it should be changed as soon as possible. Allowing the incision to become dirty could cause a serious infection, so it is vital that this area remains as sterile as possible.
After your mastectomy, a drain will likely be placed in the breast or under the arm to drain fluids and blood during the healing process. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with complete instructions on drain care, and it is important to follow these instructions completely. For most people, the drain will need to be emptied three times per day. When emptying the drain, you will also need to record the amount and color of the fluid collected.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic medication for you to take during the recovery period. Antibiotics are a powerful medication that fights bacterial infections from inside the body. It is extremely important to take these antibiotics exactly as directed. You need to take the antibiotics until they are finished, even if you are feeling better. Antibiotics are an extremely important part of recovery after a mastectomy.
During the recovery period, you also need to watch for any signs of infection at the incision site. Common signs of infection include redness, swelling, foul-smelling drainage or pus leaking out of the incision site. Occasionally, you may also experience a fever with an infection. If any of these signs of infection are present, it is important to speak with your physician immediately. An untreated infection may cause serious complications.
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