Objective  To observe the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) for functional exercise guidance in improving upper limb function after modified radical mastectomy.

  Methods  A total of 200 female patients with breast cancer who underwent modified radical mastectomy were selected as study objects, and were randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 100 cases in each group, given traditional functional exercise and ERAS, respectively. The drainage volume, hospitalization time and upper limb edema of the affected side in the two groups were observed. The recovery effects of upper limb function were compared in two groups.

  Results  There was no significant difference in drainage volume between the two groups (P>0.05). The hospitalization time of the experimental group was significantly shorter, and the incidence rates of upper limb edema of the affected side were significantly lower at 2 and 4 weeks after operation than the control group(P<0.05). The upper limb function of the affected side in the two groups at 4 weeks after operation was significantly improved compared with that at 2 weeks after operation (P<0.05). The motion angles of abduction, forward extension and backward extension of the affected upper limb in the experimental group were significantly greater, and the heights of finger climbing wall were significantly higher than that in the control group at 2 and 4 weeks after operation (P<0.05).

  Conclusion  ERAS for functional exercise after modified radical mastectomy can reduce the incidence of upper limb edema, promote functional recovery and shorten hospital stay.