[Current status of the rehabilitation of post-mastectomy women in the Federal Republic of Germany].

The effectiveness of rehabilitation measures in acute in-patient clinics was assessed by questioning 220 women who had had a mastectomy. As criteria were used: function of the shoulder-arm region on the operated side; prevention of oedema and infection on the operated side; emotional support; supply of an external breast prosthesis. The results indicate that rehabilitation measures need to be improved. Deficiencies in counselling and supervision were noted with regard to oedema and infection prevention in 71%, emotional support in 69%, and supply of a prosthesis in 56%. The interviews also revealed that rehabilitation depended primarily on personal engagement of the medical personnel, less on the size and type of clinic. Increasing importance is ascribed to subsequent (long-term) medical care and supervision, as is provided in the FRG under insurance regulations.