Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: An Integrative Review

Authors

  • Beatriz Araujo Dias Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil
  • Pedro Nícolas Rodrigues da Silva Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3105-0564
  • Rafaela Alexandre Pires Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0372-4733
  • Elaine Alves Silva Machado Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3683-6438
  • Dayana Pousa Siqueira Abrahão Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31496/repes.v1i1.2042

Keywords:

surgical wound infection, breast cancer, risk factors

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant neoplasm among women in Brazil, and oncologic surgery is one of the main therapeutic strategies. Surgical site infection (SSI) is a frequent postoperative complication and may increase morbidity and mortality, hospital costs, and length of hospital stay. Objective: To identify, in the scientific literature, the incidence and the main risk factors associated with the development of surgical site infection in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Method: This is an integrative literature review conducted using the PICo strategy to formulate the guiding research question. The search was carried out in the LILACS, BDENF, and MEDLINE databases, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, considering publications from the last five years. The selection of articles was performed using the Rayyan software, and data extraction was conducted using the instrument proposed by Ursi (2005). Results: The main risk factors identified included high body mass index, diabetes mellitus, smoking, advanced age, length of hospital stay, type and duration of surgery, hospital discharge with drain, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and the presence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Risk factors for SSI may be classified as intrinsic and extrinsic, highlighting obesity, diabetes mellitus, and postoperative seroma, as well as smoking, length of hospital stay, type of surgery, hospital discharge with drain, and adjuvant oncologic therapies.

Author Biographies

Beatriz Araujo Dias, Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil

She earned a degree in Nursing from the University of Uberaba (UNIUBE) in 2025. In 2026, she began a postgraduate multiprofessional residency in cancer care at Hospital de Amor. Her professional interests include comprehensive, person-centered care for people with cancer, with a focus on evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement.

Elaine Alves Silva Machado, Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil

She earned her degree in Nursing from Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS) and holds a master’s degree and a PhD in Sciences from the Fundamental Nursing Program at the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing (EERP-USP). She teaches in the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at the University of Uberaba (UNIUBE) and is a member of the Evidence-Based Practice in Health Research Group at EERP-USP. Her experience includes hospital management, medical-surgical nursing, sterile processing, and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections.

Dayana Pousa Siqueira Abrahão, Universidade de Uberaba - UNIUBE, Uberaba, MG, Brasil

She holds a PhD in Sciences and a master’s degree in Medical Sciences from Ribeirão Preto Medical School at the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP). She holds degrees in Physical Therapy and Nursing and a specialization in Cardiac Physical Therapy. She coordinates the undergraduate programs in Nursing and in Aesthetics and Cosmetics and the postgraduate program in Advanced Aesthetics at the University of Uberaba (UNIUBE). Her experience includes cardiology, electrocardiography, research methodology, and facial harmonization.

 

References

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Additional Files

Published

2026-11-04

How to Cite

Dias, B. A., Silva, P. N. R. da, Pires, R. A., Machado, E. A. S., & Abrahão, D. P. S. (2026). Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: An Integrative Review. Revista De Ensino, Pesquisa E Extensão Em Saúde (Repes), 1(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.31496/repes.v1i1.2042

Issue

Vol. 1 (2026)

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Beatriz Araujo Dias, Pedro Nícolas Rodrigues da Silva, Rafaela Alexandre Pires, Elaine Alves Silva Machado, Dayana Pousa Siqueira Abrahão

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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