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Sympathectomy for Lymphedema: A Case Series
Kashinath Bangar1, Nivedita Page1, Gayatri Bangar1
1Painex Pain Management Clinic, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Indian Journal of Palliative Care
|February 24, 2021
Summary
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can significantly impact survivors' quality of life. T2 sympathectomy offers a promising second-line treatment option, reducing arm swelling and pain when conservative methods fail.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a growing concern for breast cancer survivors, impacting their quality of life.
- Current conservative management (physiotherapy, manual lymphatic drainage, compression) is effective but not universally successful.
- A subset of patients with BCRL do not respond adequately to conservative treatments.
Observation:
- This study reports on four cases of advanced BCRL.
- Patients received T2 sympathectomy, a procedure ablating the thoracic sympathetic chain to enhance lymphatic drainage.
- The procedure was evaluated for its efficacy in managing refractory BCRL.
Findings:
- All four patients experienced a significant reduction in mid-arm circumference.
- Post-procedure pain scores also showed a notable decrease in all cases.
- T2 sympathectomy demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing lymphedema symptoms.
Implications:
- T2 sympathectomy presents a viable second-line therapeutic option for BCRL.
- This surgical approach may improve functional outcomes and quality of life for patients unresponsive to conservative care.
- Further research into T2 sympathectomy for BCRL management is warranted.
