The Risk of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Not Restrict Necessary Hand Surgery Interventions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of lymphedema onset or exacerbation in patients undergoing upper extremity interventions, both nonoperative and operative, after breast cancer surgery.

Methods

The study inclusion criteria were the following: (1) prior history of breast cancer surgery or lymphedema from the cancer; (2) upper extremity intervention, ipsilateral to the breast cancer side; and (3) follow-up of at least 1 month. Patients were evaluated for demographic information, type of breast cancer procedure and hand intervention, number of lymph nodes dissected, preexisting lymphedema, exacerbation of lymphedema, and new-onset lymphedema.

Results

A total of 161 patients undergoing 385 hand interventions (300 injections, 85 surgeries)

SUBMITTER: Fitzgerald MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11342698 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature