Improving quality of life after breast cancer: a comparison of two microsurgical treatment options for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL)

• DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01344-w
• Publication Date: 2024-04-23T17:02:24Z
• Authors: Katrin Seidenstue...; Sonia Fertsch; Alina A. Ghazaleh; Adriano Fabi; Julia Stoffel; Julia Bukowiecki; Andreas Wolter; Soheila Aghlmandi; Anshoo Nadella; Florian S. Halbeisen; Christoph Andree; Martin D. Haug; Dirk J. Schaefer; Tristan M. Handschin; Elisabeth A. Kappos
• Keywords: Adult; Microsurgery; Research; Breast Cancer Lymphedema; Anastomosis, Surgical; Breast Neoplasms; Middle Aged; 03 medical and health sciences; Treatment Outcome; Postoperative Complications; 0302 clinical medicine; Quality of Life; Humans; Female; Lymph Nodes; Lymphedema; Retrospective Studies; Aged

Abstract Purpose Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) entails the autologous relocation of nodes to a lymphedematous region body, whereas lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) creates direct bypass between lymphatic and venous system. Both techniques are meant lastingly bolster local drainage capacity. This study compared safety effectiveness VLNT LVA in patients with chronic breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods A retrospective cohort was conducted using data from our encrypted database composed BCRL who were treated either or had minimum follow-up two years. Patient-specific variables analyzed included pre- postoperative arm circumferences, stages complications. Results total 105 met inclusion criteria, which 96 demonstrated complete period The group displayed larger preoperative circumferential measurements, evident both isolated examination affected arm, as well when adjusted for contralateral unaffected arm. Significant reduction volume achieved by groups. However, superior relative rates than LVA, neutralizing any significant size disparities after 24 months. Surgery duration slightly longer LVA. Postoperative complications, predominantly minor, exclusively observed group. Conclusions offer improvement suffering BCRL. shows an even greater potential more severe cases BCRL, but involves higher risk (mostly minor)