Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Combined With Preoperative Upper Limb Exercise on Length of Stay Following Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background: Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) is the primary surgical treatment involving the pectoralis muscles for early-stage breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol may reduce the side effects associated with this intervention. Additionally, preoperative upper limb exercise has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. This study evaluates whether combining the ERAS protocol with upper limb exercise (ERAS-UE) reduces hospital stay for patients undergoing MRM.
Methods: This experimental study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial design. Twenty-four patients who were scheduled for MRM at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group using a simple randomization sequence. The intervention group received the ERAS-UE, which included aerobic, strengthening, and stretching exercises for four weeks prior to surgery. The control group received standard care. The number of nights spent in the hospital from the end of surgery to being discharged home was compared between the two groups.
Results: Twenty-four participants were enrolled. The ERAS-UE group demonstrated a significantly shorter length of hospital stay compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Implementation of the ERAS protocol combined with upper limb exercise significantly reduced the length of hospital stay in patients after MRM.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Masrianti, Denny Saleh, Thomas Khosasih, Kortensi Karianga, Regina Grimonia Sompotan
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