Surgical Treatment of Postmastectomy Lymphedema

Abstract

Secondary lymphedema is a common complication of cancer treatment, particularly in breast cancer patients. Its prevalence has been reported at up to 28% of patients after lumpectomy and up to 49% of patients who have undergone mastectomy. Currently, the most widely used procedures for treatment of lymphedema consist of variations using microsurgical technique. This chapter will highlight surgical treatment options for postmastectomy lymphedema, with a focus on vascularized lymph node transfer and lymphovenous bypass. In most cases, microsurgical techniques do not cure lymphedema. However, they do improve severity, reduce the number of complications associated with lymphedema, and improve quality of life.