Becker C, Assouad J, Riquet M, Hidden G, et al.
Annals of surgery. Date of publication 2006 Mar 1;volume 243(3):313-5.
1. Ann Surg. 2006 Mar;243(3):313-5.
Postmastectomy lymphedema: long-term results following microsurgical lymph node
transplantation.
Becker C(1), Assouad J, Riquet M, Hidden G.
Author information:
(1)Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris,
France.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lymphedema complicating breast cancer treatment
remains a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the
long-term results following microsurgical lymph node (LN) transplantation.
METHODS: Twenty-four female patients with lymphedema for more than 5 years
underwent LN transplantation. They were treated by physiotherapy and resistant to
it. LNs were harvested in the femoral region, transferred to the axillary region,
and transplanted by microsurgical procedures. Long-term results were evaluated
according to skin elasticity, decrease, or disappearance of lymphedema assessed
by measurements, isotopic lymphangiography, and ability to stop physiotherapy.
RESULTS: The postoperative period was uneventful; skin infectious diseases
disappeared in all patients. Upper limb perimeter returned to normal in 10 cases,
decreased in 12 cases, and remained unchanged in 2 cases. Five of 16 (31%)
isotopic lymphoscintigraphies demonstrated activity of the transplanted nodes.
Physiotherapy was discontinued in 15 patients (62.5%). Ten patients were
considered as cured, important improvement was noted in 12 patients, and only 2
patients were not improved.
CONCLUSION: LN transplantation is a safe procedure permitting good long-term
results, disappearance, or a noteworthy improvement, in postmastectomy
lymphedema, especially in the early stages of the disease.
DOI: 10.1097/01.sla.0000201258.10304.16
PMCID: PMC1448940
PMID: 16495693 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
