Introduction:

The posmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is included in the new ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision) classification under the postsurgical pain syndrome subset. Waltho and Rockwell have recently consensuated what they call post breast surgery pain syndrome (PBSPS) and conclude that a complete definition of PBSPS is pain that occurs after any breast surgery; is of at least moderate severity; possesses neuropathic qualities; is located in the ipsilateral breast/chest wall, axilla, and/or arm; lasts at least 6 months; occurs at least 50 % of the time; and may be exacerbated by movements of the shoulder girdle. The published incidence of PMPS varies between 11-57 % according to different sources. The incidence lowers to 5-10 % when the pain is judged severe. Up to the 65 % of the patients present neuropathic characteristics. The aim of this article is to primary to determine the frequency and intensity of the incidence of, and seconddly to elucidate possible risk factors to influence its appearance.

Material and method:

A retrospective analysis, of all partial or total mastectomies with or without axillary nodal resection, performed between January the 1st 2017 December 31st 2017, was carried out.

Results:

A total number 119 patients were studied, 30 of which (25,2 %) declared to feel pain. The intensity was low in 24 patients, moderate in 4 and severe in 2. No relationship was found between the appearance of chronic pain and any of the variables studied.

Discussion:

We judge necessary to perform new prospective studies which include a consensuated definition of PMPS to clearly elucidate possible risk factors that can contribute either to the incidence, intensity or impact in quality of life of our patients.

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