Lymphedema microsurgical preventive healing approach: a new technique for primary prevention of arm lymphedema after mastectomy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice
Published on: November 2, 2019
Francesco Boccardo1, Federico Casabona, Franco De Cian
1Department of Surgery, Unit of Lymphatic Surgery, S. Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy. francesco.boccardo@unige.it
Background:
The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the efficacy of direct lymphatic venous microsurgery in the prevention of lymphedema following axillary dissection for breast cancer.
Methods:
Nineteen patients with operable breast cancer requiring an axillary dissection underwent surgery, carrying out LVA between the blue lymphatics and an axillary vein branch simultaneously. The follow-up after 6 and 12 months from the operation included circumferential measurements in all cases and lymphangioscintigraphy only in 18 patients out of 19 cases.
Results:
Blue nodes in relation to lymphatic arm drainage were identified in 18/19 patients. All blue nodes were resected and 2-4 main afferent lymphatics from the arm could be prepared and used for anastomoses. Lymphatic-venous anastomoses allowed to prevent lymphedema in all cases. Lymphangioscintigraphy demonstrated the patency of microvascular anastomoses.
Conclusions:
Disruption of the blue nodes and closure of arm lymphatics can explain the significantly high risk of lymphedema after axillary dissection. LVA proved to be a safe procedure for patients in order to prevent arm lymphedema.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...