Cancer control : journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
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Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) has been reported following procedures involving complete lymph node dissection (CLND). Since the triggering event is probably related to nerve injury, sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) should decrease the incidence of PMPS. The purpose of this report is to determine the impact of SLND on the number of patients referred to the pain clinic for PMPS treatment. ⋯ PMPS is a complication of CLND. The increased use of SLND in our center has reduced the number of referrals to the pain clinic for treatment of PMPS. This benefit of SLND reduces suffering in the postoperative breast patient.