ObjectiveTo review the progress of treatment and prevention of breast cancer related lymphedema. MethodsThe recent literature concerning treatment and prevention of breast cancer related lymphedema was extensively consulted and reviewed. ResultsThe treatment of lymphedema is now based on complete decongestive therapy, supplemented with medicine and surgery. Those procedures have been proved to be safe and effective. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, axillary reverse mapping, and lymphaticovenous anastomoses have been used to decrease the incidence of lymphedema. They show promising effectiveness in short term, but the long-term effectiveness needs further tests. ConclusionIn clinical practice, many treatment methods are used to decrease lymphedema, and lymphedema prevention is playing an increasingly important role. Lymphaticovenous anastomoses shows a promising effectiveness in reducing lymphedema.
The Influence of microwave and hot water immersion hyperthermia on the lymphedematous skin of lower extremity on 12 patients was studied by using immunohistochemical and lymphoscintigraphic methods. We assumed that the subsidence of inflammatory changes in the lymphedematous limb and/or local absorption of tissue fluid protein following local microwave heating, but not the augmented lymph How seemed to be responsible for the reduction of edema.
Objective To review the clinical progress of microsurgical management for lymphedema. Methods The literature on microsurgical treatment for lymphedema at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed and analyzed. Results At present, conservative treatment is the main treatment for lymphedema, which has limited effectiveness only for early stages of lymphedema; and it is not curative and demands patient compliance. In contrast, microsurgical approaches can solve the problems in the prevention or management of lymphedema and showed promising results, such as lymphatic-venous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), and other lymphatic reconstructions. Conclusion Microsurgical approaches like LVA and VLNT have been broadly used in recent years, the effectiveness and safety have been proved. But the evidence of long-term randomized controlled studies is still required to establish standard treatment practices.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of single-stage vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) combined with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) and liposuction (LS) (3L) versus LVA combined with LS (2L) for the treatment of moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 patients with moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, treated between June 2022 and June 2024, who met the selection criteria. Patients were divided into 3L group (n=7) and 2L group (n=9) based on the surgical approach. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline data between the groups, including age, body mass index, duration of edema, volume of liposuction, International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage, preoperative affected limb volume, preoperative circumferences of the affected limb at 12 levels (from 4 cm distal to the wrist to 42 cm proximal to the wrist), preoperative Lymphoedema Quality of Life (LYMQoL) score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes. The 2L group underwent LS on the upper arm and proximal forearm and LVA on the middle and distal forearm. The 3L group received additional VLNT in the axilla, with the groin serving as the donor site. Outcomes were assessed included the change in affected limb volume at 12 months postoperatively, and comparisons of limb circumferences, LYMQoL score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes between preoperative and 12-month postoperative. Ultrasound evaluation was performed at 12 months in the 3L group to assess lymph node viability. Results Both groups were followed up 12-20 months, with an average of 15.13 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the groups (t=–1.115, P=0.284). All surgical incisions healed by first intention. No adverse events, such as flap infection or necrosis, occurred in the 3L group. At 12 months after operation, ultrasound confirmed good viability of the transferred lymph nodes in the 3L group. Palpation revealed significant improvement in skin fibrosis and improved skin softness in both groups. Affected limb volume significantly decreased in both groups postoperatively (P<0.05). The reduction in limb volume significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). Circumferences at all 12 measured levels significantly decreased in both groups compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). The reduction in circumference at all 12 levels was better in the 3L group than in the 2L group, with significant differences observed at 7 levels (8, 12, 16, 30, 34, 38, and 42 cm) proximal to the wrist (P<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in the frequency of cellulitis episodes and LYMQoL scores postoperatively (P<0.05). While the improvement in LYMQoL scores at 12 months did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05), the reduction in cellulitis episodes was significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of VLNT+LVA+LS provides more durable and comprehensive outcomes for moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery compared to LVA+LS, offering an improved therapeutic solution for patients.
Objective To study a new method of treatment for upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy. Methods From Jun. 2001 to Sep. 2003, 11 cases(2with complication of erysipelas ) of upper limb lymphedema being treated with radical mastectomy for more than 2 years were used as model. All the edema of limbs was sucked from hypodermis with liposuction technique and compressed with compression garment. Three months after operation, elasticity stress was conducted every night. Results The reduction of the edema of upper limbswas remarkable. The average decrease of circumference was 4 cm. No erysipelas was observed. Conclusion The liposuction technique and elasticity stress is a new and effective approach to the treatment of upper limb lymphedema.
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among women. Typically, the operation of breast cancer should include breast surgery and axillary lymph node surgery since breast cancer first metastasizes to regional axillary lymph nodes. However, postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in upper limb is the most common long-term complication. The injury to upper limb lymphatic system contributes to causing the postoperative BCRL. Therefore, precision medicine in the extent of axillary lymph node surgery plays an important role in preventing BCRL which can improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients.
Abstract Sixty-four cases of upper limb lymphedema following radical operation of carcinoma of breast were treated by microwave therapy. The course of treatment was divided into two stages. Each stage was one hour a day for 20 days. Elastic band was put on the limb betweenevery therapy except the time of sleeping at night. After 1 months to 2 years follow-up, the results showed: symptoms disappeared obviously; the edema had gone down (Plt;0.01). The relapse frequency of erysipelas-like syndrome decreased obviously (Plt;0.01). The skin elasticity restored, and no complication appeared. It was concluded that microwave therapy was an effective conservative treatment in treating upper limb lymphedema following radical operaion of carcinoma of breast.
ObjectiveTo review the latest research advancements in surgical techniques for the treatment of limb lymphedema. MethodsThe relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the research on the treatment of limb lymphedema by surgical techniques were summarized and analyzed. ResultsLymphovenous anastomosis has demonstrated good effectiveness for early to mid-stage limb lymphedema, however its long-term effectiveness and applicability for late-stage limb lymphedema still require further validation. Autologous lymphatic/venous grafting has shown clinical feasibility in the treatment of secondary limb lymphedema. Research on tissue-engineered lymphatic scaffolds remains insufficient, primarily due to the complexity of lymphatic anatomical structures and the technical challenges involved. Nevertheless, its potential application is promising. Vascularized lymph node flap transplantation has shown significant effectiveness in treating limb lymphedema, particularly yielding good outcomes in upper limb cases. However, it can not guarantee a complete cure for the condition. Charles’ operation is the most effective treatment option for patients with late-stage limb lymphedema, but its extensive incision and severe postoperative complications limit its application. Liposuction has the advantages such as minimal invasiveness, high safety, and repeatability. It is suitable for patients with late-stage limb lymphedema who have failed conservative treatment or developed adiposity. However, its effectiveness is limited in patients with significant limb fibrosis. Conclusion Current treatments for limb lymphedema require further improvement, and there is considerable debate regarding treatment strategies for different stages of the condition. Future high-quality, multi-system combined treatment approaches are anticipated to guide clinical practice.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effect of self-management intervention on the prevention and management of lymphedema in breast cancer patients. MethodsThe Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect studies on self-management intervention on the prevention and management of lymphedema in breast cancer patients, from inception to June 16. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 37 references were included, comprising 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 12 controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and a total of 3 697 patients. There were 26 studies in the meta-analysis, and the results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group exhibited better performance in lymphedema management-related behaviors (SMD=2.65, 95%CI 1.53 to 3.78, P<0.01), symptoms related to lymphedema (SMD=−2.01, 95%CI −3.66 to −0.37, P<0.05), occurrence of lymphedema (RR=0.37, 95%CI 0.32 to 0.45, P<0.01), upper limb function (SMD=−1.88, 95%CI −2.83 to −0.92, P<0.01), quality of life (SMD=2.79, 95%CI 2.05 to 3.54, P<0.01), and the difference was statistically significant. The intervention mainly included information support, material support, emotional support and decision support. ConclusionThere are currently a variety of self-management interventions, but they mainly focus on information support. Self-management interventions can improve the self-management behavior of breast cancer patients with lymphedema and reduce the impact of lymphedema on patients.
Twenty patients with chronic lymphedema had been treated by microwave heating. T-lympocyte subpopulation and HLA-DR phenotype of peripheral blood in patientswith lymphedema were examined by using dual colour flow cytometry before and after treatment. We found that CD4 (T helpe/inducer) in chronic lymphedema decreased significantly (Plt;0.01), HLA-DR increased significantly (P lt;0.05). After the microwave treatment, the CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly; HLA-DR, HLA-DR+CD+8 lymphocyte reduced. It was clear that microwave could regulate the immunological disorder of lymphedema patients.