Immediate lymphatic reconstruction for the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema: an experience highlighting the importance of lymphatic anatomy.

ABSTRACT: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has become increasingly utilized for the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the long-term efficacy of ILR in reducing the rate of BCRL. While certain risk factors for BCRL are well-recognized, such as axillary lymph node dissection, regional lymph node radiation, and elevated body mass index, other potential risk factors such as age and taxane-based chemotherapeutics remain under discussion. Our experience with ILR has highlighted an additional potential risk factor for BCRL. Lymphatic anatomy, specifically compensatory lymphatic channels that bypass the axilla, may play a largely underrecognized role in determining which patients will develop BCRL after ILR. Foundational anatomic knowl

SUBMITTER: Friedman R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11619053 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature