•  
  •  
 

Subject Area

General Surgery

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the relation between apical axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and upper arm lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. Background Lymphedema is a swelling that occurs when protein-rich lymph fluid accumulates in the interstitial tissue, and it is the most common complication following axillary dissection. This lymph fluid may contain plasma proteins, extravascular blood cells, excess water, and parenchymal products. Few studies have discussed ALND levels as a possible risk factor of upper arm lymphedema. Patients and methods This is a prospective clinical study that included 70 women with well-established diagnosis of malignant breast tumor. All patients were operated in the Department of Surgery at Menoufia University Hospital between the period of June 2017 and December 2019. All of them were assessed for the development of postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema. Results There is no significant difference between the studied groups regarding age. There is no significant difference between the studied groups regarding the site of tumor. There is a highly significant difference between the studied groups regarding the number of extracted lymph nodes. There is no significant difference between the studied groups regarding the type of surgery. There is a highly significant difference between the studied groups regarding grade of lymphedema. Conclusion The apical ALND has a high rate of postoperative incidence of lymphedema and is better to be avoided, as arm lymphedema results in poor cosmetic outcomes, physical discomfort, and if severe enough, loss of functional ability of the affected arm, with significant reduction in the quality of life among survivors of breast cancer.

Download

Share

COinS