ICG lymphographic findings following immediate lymphatic reconstruction in breast cancer patients

Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR), performed at the time of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), has demonstrated promising reductions in breast cancer-associated lymphedema. However, questions remain over the effects of adjuvant therapies on the continued patency of the lymphaticovenous anastomosis. Our study aimed to assess lymphographic outcomes, including ICG pattern and LVB patency, in patients at high risk for breast cancer-associated lymphedema following axillary ILR.

Baseline ICG lymphography studies performed during ILR of 15 patients were compared to repeat ICG studies obtained during second-stage breast reconstructive procedures to assess for changes in lymphatic flow patterns through the at-risk arm and transit into the axilla.

All 15 patients in this study demonstrated linear lymphatic flow in baseline lymphography. Repeat lymphographic studies showed linear lymphatic transit in 12/15 patients. Of these 12 patients, 10 received chemotherapy, and all 12 received post-mastectomy radiation (PMRT). Dermal backflow patterns were recorded in 3/15 patients. All 3 patients received chemotherapy and 2/3 underwent PMRT. Additionally, repeat ICG studies of 7/12 lymphedema-free patients demonstrated clear visualization of linear ICG flow from the lymphatics of the arm into the axilla.

We have demonstrated that ICG lymphography can be implemented as a postoperative tool to assess lymphatic function in patients who have undergone ILR in the axilla. Repeat ICG studies in the majority of patients demonstrated linear ICG flow similar to baseline studies. Additionally, ICG flow patterns through the axilla in repeat lymphography provided visual evidence supporting sustained LVB patency, despite axillary irradiation.