Post mastectomy upper limb lymphedema: combined vascularized lymph node transfer and scar release with fat graft expedites surgical and patients’ related outcomes. a retrospective comparative study

Lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment is a chronic condition which can significantly compromise quality of life. Several works have documented the efficacy of vascularized lymph node flap transfer (VLNT) for the treatment of advanced stage lymphedema. Given that the axillary scar may contribute to the patient's existing lymphedema, authors assumed that combining VLNT and scar release with fat graft could be an effective strategy of treatment. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy in limb's circumference reduction and health-related quality of life between a combined strategy, namely VLN and axillary scar release with fat grafting, and just VLN transfer for patients' affected by post mastectomy upper limb lymphedema.

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