Innovative method of complete surgical rehabilitation of patients with lymphedema

Objective. To develop a concept that allows complete rehabilitation of patients with postmastectomy lymphostasis. Often in patients with secondary lymphatic edema of the hand after complex treatment of breast cancer breast is completely resected. The optimal approach in this case is the maximum restoration of the former anatomy for a minimum number of surgical interventions. Materials and methods. 25 patients with postmastectomy lymphostasis are included in the study. Inclusion criteria: absence of breast and presence of lymphostasis of the hand. All patients underwent BRANT operation (Breast Reconstruction And Node Transplantation), which implies microsurgical auto transplantation of inguinal lymph flap in the axillary region and use any of the available autologous grafts or combination of materials and silicone implants for breast reconstruction volume. Results. The average regression of the edema after 1 year after surgery was 70%. Quality of life and social activity of patients increased significantly. All patients of working age were able to return to work after 1-2,5 months after the operation. Conclusions. BRANT allows for a minimum number of surgical interventions to restore the attractive look of breast and to achieve good results in the treatment of hands lymphoedema. An important aspect of this approach is full fledged social rehabilitation of patients.

breast reconstruction, lymphedema, lymph node autotransplantation, lymph node transplantation, breast reconstruction, breast cancer