Short-Term QuickDASH Outcomes Following ERAS-Based Rehabilitation After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Nonrandomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction: Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) may cause postoperative upper-limb dysfunction in breast cancer patients. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) combined with upper-limb-specific exercise may improve shoulder functional recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ERAS combined with upper-limb-specific exercise on shoulder functional ability after MRM.
Methods: This experimental pretest–posttest controlled study included 24 breast cancer patients undergoing MRM, equally divided into ERAS and Non-ERAS groups. Shoulder functional ability was assessed using the Quick-DASH Score at one and four weeks postoperatively. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests.
Results: The Quick-DASH Score decreased significantly in both groups. The Non-ERAS group improved from 67.08 ± 2.68 to 35.67 ± 4.98, while the ERAS group improved from 48.08 ± 6.80 to 12.50 ± 6.74, both p less than 0.001. The reduction was significantly greater in the ERAS group than in the Non-ERAS group, 35.58 ± 3.26 vs. 31.42 ± 3.18, p = 0.002.
Conclusion: ERAS combined with upper-limb-specific exercise significantly improves shoulder functional ability after MRM and may be considered a perioperative rehabilitation approach for breast cancer patients.