The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of 123 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who had been followed up after the initial treatment by the outpatient clinic for breast surgery of a university hospital. The Turkish version of QLQ-C30 (Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer 30) and QLQ-BR23 (Quality of Life Questionnaire- Breast Cancer 23) were used to measure the quality of life. The mean score for global heath status/ QOL was 64.43. Patients with localized cancer had higher scores. Those in the advanced stages of breast cancer had lower physical, social and sexual functioning than those in the early stages. Patients who were currently receiving chemotherapy had lower global health/QOL, significantly different from those receiving only hormone therapy. Breast cancer patients experience problems in multiple quality of life domains. Health professionals must recognize and take into consideration the importance of QOL, in order to improve the health of breast cancer patients.

The overall incisional SSI rate was comparable between the drain and no-drain groups. However, subcutaneous closed-suction drainage was not found effective in preventing SSI in our study except in a subgroup of patients with colorectal malignancies and lower abdominal incisions.

Temporary abdominal closure with the vacuum pack is a simple and inexpensive technique. Primary fascial closure is possible in approximately half of the cases ; however, the frequency of incisional hernia is high.

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