Reduction of morbidity after radical mastectomy.

In spite of all the conflicting literature concerning carcinoma of the breast, there has been little data available on the very common problem of postmastectomy skin flap necrosis. Other than age, the dominant predisposing factor appears to be the type of incision employed. Transverse incisions are associated with a significantly lower incidence of skin flap necrosis. The incidence of postmastectomy lymphedema is increased after adjuvant irradiation and in patients who have had skin flap necrosis. These data will hopefully be of practical use to the surgeon performing mastectomy, as an aid in reducing postoperative morbidity.