Flap transplantation combined with liposuction to treat upper limb lymphedema after mastectomy.
- Author:
Yue-dong SHI
1
;
Fa-zhi QI
;
Xue-jun ZHANG
;
Jian-ying GU
;
Kun-nan WU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Breast Neoplasms; surgery; Female; Humans; Lipectomy; Lymphedema; etiology; surgery; Mastectomy, Radical; adverse effects; Postoperative Complications; surgery; Surgical Flaps
- From: Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2003;19(6):430-432
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate a new surgical method to treat unilateral limb lymphedem after radical mastectomy.
METHODS10 cases of upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy were treated using flap transfer (the lateral thoracic skin flap or latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap combined with liposuction).
RESULTSAfter the treatment, the upper limb perimeter reduced in varied degrees. Nuclear lymphatic radiography showed notable changes in lymphatic circulation. The effective results were steady during the follow-up of 3-18 months.
CONCLUSIONFlap transplantation combined with liposuction is a useful treatment for limb lymphedema from radical mastectomy.
