Three hundred and six patients with a minimum of five year follow up, who had undergone radical mastectomy, were reviewed retrospectively regarding early and late surgical complications. Without any drainage, in only 5% of the patients seromas developed and aspirations were required for over two weeks. Seroma formation was not associated with the stage of the tumor. Necrosis of the lateral flap was seen most commonly (13.4%) followed by the necrosis of the graft (12.1%) and the medial flap (2.6%). While 28.2% had arm edema, in only 2% the edema was severe. The incidence of arm edema was not associated with the stage of the tumor, number of aspirations required or radiotherapy. Lateral flap necrosis increased the incidence of arm edema. Restriction of arm movements were noted in 44% but in only 8.1% this restriction was over 20%. Restriction of arm movements were associated with lateral flap necrosis and arm edema. No "wing scapula" deformity was noted. Meticulous surgical technique, early arm movements, and radiotherapy in fractionated doses decrease the morbidity rate after radical mastectomy.