Abstract
Patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer who undergo an axillary dissection
and require adjuvant therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy are at high risk
of developing lymphedema of the associated extremity. Historically, patients with
lymphedema were treated with ablative procedures aimed simply to remove excess fluid
and adiposity; however, the field of lymphatic surgery employing super-microsurgery
techniques has witnessed tremendous advances in a relatively short period of time.
Advancements in surgical instruments, microscope magnification and optics, imaging
technology, and surgeon experience have ushered in a new era of hope to treat patients
suffering from breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL). Here we aim to present the
available options for patients suffering from BCRL, and the pinnacle in reconstruction
and restoration for these patients.
Keywords
breast cancer lymphedema - lymphedema surgery - breast reconstruction
