Fatih DOLU, Oğuzhan Fatih AY, İbrahim Ethem AKGÜN
Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences - 2026;10(2):213-221
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and surgical morbidity of isolated axillary surgery in non-breast pathologies, specifically comparing the safety profiles of excisional biopsy and axillary dissection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent isolated axillary surgery at a secondary-level center between 2018 and 2024. Data on demographics, surgical parameters, and pathology were analyzed. Comparative statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: A total of 42 patients were included (mean age: 58.1+/-14.4 years). Excisional biopsy was the most common procedure (71.4%), followed by axillary dissection (23.8%). Patients with malignancy were significantly older than those with benign pathologies (65.3 vs. 54.9 years; p=0.026). While the overall morbidity was 16.7%, a significant disparity was observed based on the surgical approach: morbidity was 70% in the axillary dissection group compared to 0% in the excisional biopsy group (p<0.001). High ASA scores (p=0.015) and drain usage (p=0.005) were also associated with complications. Reactive lymphadenopathy (40.4%) was the most frequent diagnosis. Conclusion: Isolated axillary surgery in non-breast pathologies is a critical diagnostic and therapeutic modality often guided by medical necessity rather than surgical preference. Despite its potential for increased morbidity, this procedure demonstrates a safe and effective profile when managed through a multidisciplinary approach.
