International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Effect of Breathing Exercises in Preoperative and Postoperative Mastectomy Patients: A Systematic Review

Author(s) Dr. Bhaskara Rao Jagurothula
Country India
Abstract Background
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with mastectomy being one of the principal surgical treatments. Although advances in surgical techniques have improved survival outcomes, mastectomy is frequently associated with postoperative complications such as impaired pulmonary function, reduced chest wall mobility, shoulder dysfunction, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and diminished quality of life. Surgical trauma, postoperative pain, and reduced physical activity contribute to shallow breathing patterns and decreased lung expansion, increasing the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Breathing exercises have emerged as an important physiotherapeutic intervention both before and after surgery to improve respiratory mechanics, prevent pulmonary complications, and facilitate functional recovery.

Objective
To systematically review the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of preoperative and postoperative breathing exercises in women undergoing mastectomy, focusing on pulmonary function, pain, shoulder mobility, fatigue, postoperative complications, and quality of life.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published in English between January 2010 and December 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, prospective cohort studies, and controlled clinical trials evaluating breathing exercise interventions in adult women undergoing mastectomy. Data regarding study characteristics, intervention protocols, outcome measures, and key findings were extracted and synthesized narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using appropriate methodological appraisal tools.

Results
The available evidence consistently demonstrated that breathing exercises significantly improved postoperative pulmonary function, chest expansion, inspiratory capacity, oxygen saturation, and respiratory muscle performance. Several studies reported reductions in postoperative pain, fatigue, anxiety, and pulmonary complications such as atelectasis. Breathing exercises were also associated with improved shoulder range of motion, enhanced functional recovery, shorter hospital stay, and better health-related quality of life. The greatest benefits were observed when breathing exercises were integrated with comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation programs including early mobilization and upper limb exercises.

Conclusion
Current evidence supports the incorporation of structured breathing exercise programs into perioperative physiotherapy for women undergoing mastectomy. These interventions are safe, inexpensive, and effective in improving respiratory function, minimizing postoperative complications, enhancing functional recovery, and improving quality of life. Nevertheless, further high-quality multicentre randomized controlled trials employing standardized intervention protocols are needed to strengthen the evidence base and inform clinical practice guidelines.
Keywords Breast cancer, Mastectomy, Breathing exercises, Diaphragmatic breathing, Deep breathing exercise, Physiotherapy, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Postoperative care, Quality of life, Systematic review.
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On 2026-07-29
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84833
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