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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Influence of Breast Reconstruction on Subsequent Development of Lymphedema
Marten N Basta1, John P Fischer, Suhail K Kanchwala
1Philadelphia, Pa. From the Divisions of Plastic Surgery and Endocrine and Oncology Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Background:
Recent literature demonstrates a lower incidence of lymphedema with breast reconstruction. This study compared the incidence of lymphedema after axillary dissection in a propensity-matched cohort of patients with and without immediate breast reconstruction.
Methods:
A review of patients undergoing axillary lymphadenectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction from January 1, 2000, to July 1, 2013, was conducted. Comorbidities, cancer treatment, operative characteristics, and pathologic findings were reviewed. The primary outcome was postoperative lymphedema. Univariate analysis identified baseline differences between the patient groups. Cohorts were propensity-matched by age, body mass index greater than 30 kg/m, adjuvant radiation therapy, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Subsequent multivariate regression was performed to identify independent predictors of lymphedema among matched patients.
Results:
A total of 4647 patients underwent breast cancer resection, with 1955 having axillary lymphadenectomy (no reconstruction, n = 1200; autologous, n = 563; implant-based, n = 192). Matching yielded a cohort of 239 reconstruction and 239 no-reconstruction patients demonstrating no differences in age, body mass index, hypertension, adjuvant radiation therapy, or axillary dissection extent. With 55.9 months' follow-up, postoperative lymphedema was diagnosed in 94 patients (19.7 percent). Reconstruction patients developed lymphedema in 19.2 percent of cases versus 20.1 percent for no- reconstruction patients (p = 0.82). Regression identified two independent predictors of lymphedema: postoperative radiation therapy (OR, 2.90; p < 0.001) and obesity (OR, 2.36; p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates a 19.7 percent incidence of lymphedema following axillary lymphadenectomy. Reconstruction does not appear to alter lymphedema risk, whereas postoperative radiation therapy, obesity, and extensive axillary dissection greatly increase risk.
Clinical Question/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic, III.
