Evaluating shoulder function in breast cancer surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer surgery
IRAS ID
249021
Contact name
Henry Cain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle Joint Research Office
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. Breast reconstruction can be performed after removal of the whole breast or part of the breast. Latissmus dorsi is a muscle of the back that can be used to reconstruct a new breast shape. Latissmus dorsi reconstruction has been associated with reduced shoulder mobility in the literature despite its many advantages. The breast cancer surgery unit in the RVI still performs the procedure, but adds an injection of a painkiller in the spine when reconstruction surgery is performed. In the unit’s experience, patients experience less pain post-operatively and less shoulder dysfunction in the long -term. This observation goes against the current trend that sees Latissmus dorsi reconstruction less adequate than other reconstruction techniques. The project aims to survey patients from the RVI unit to assess if their quality of life has been affected in relation to shoulder function. \n\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0340
Date of REC Opinion
29 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion