Lymphedema microsurgical preventive healing approach: a new technique for primary prevention of arm lymphedema after mastectomy.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the efficacy of direct lymphatic venous microsurgery in the prevention of lymphedema following axillary dissection for breast cancer.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with operable breast cancer requiring an axillary dissection underwent surgery, carrying out LVA between the blue lymphatics and an axillary vein branch simultaneously. The follow-up after 6 and 12 months from the operation included circumferential measurements in all cases and lymphangioscintigraphy only in 18 patients out of 19 cases.

RESULTS

Blue nodes in relation to lymphatic arm drainage were identified in 18/19 patients. All blue nodes were resected and 2-4 main afferent lymphatics from the arm could be prepared and used for anastomoses. Lymphatic-venous anastomoses allowed to prevent lymphedema in all cases. Lymphangioscintigraphy demonstrated the patency of microvascular anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Disruption of the blue nodes and closure of arm lymphatics can explain the significantly high risk of lymphedema after axillary dissection. LVA proved to be a safe procedure for patients in order to prevent arm lymphedema.