Abstract
Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is a microsurgical technique performed at the time of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) to reduce the risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). A lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is performed immediately following ALND under direct microscopic visualization. Results reported in the literature have demonstrated a reduced incidence of BCRL in patients who have undergone this procedure. As there is currently no cure for chronic lymphedema, ILR holds promise as an effective means of reducing the risk of developing this disease. In this chapter, we will address preoperative and postoperative considerations, as well as the surgical technique used to perform this procedure.
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Granoff, M.D., Hamaguchi, R., Singhal, D. (2022). Step-by-Step Instruction: Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction for Lymphedema Risk Reduction in Breast Cancer Management. In: Schaverien, M.V., Dayan, J.H. (eds) Multimodal Management of Upper and Lower Extremity Lymphedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93039-4_23
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93039-4_23
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