Lymph Node Transfer

Lymphedema in the breast cancer patient is caused by removal of axillary lymph nodes with subsequent inflammation and scar formation in the axilla. Radiation therapy further increases the chance of lymphedema. DIEP flap breast reconstruction does not result in more scarring in the axilla and should not cause or aggravate lympedema. With approximately 2000 DIEP breast reconstructions over the past 20 years, no patient has developed lymphedema as a side effect of this surgery.

In 2003 I began vascularized lymph node transfer to the axilla to reduce or eliminate lymphedema. In 2006 I combined the DIEP flap with lymph nodes the restore form and function by reconstructing the breast and treating the lymphedema in one operation. At an international microsurgery symposium I met Corinne Becker, MD. She has been successfully treating lymphedema with vascularized lymph node transfer for many years and is the world leader in this area.

The lady who posed the question is a candidate for combined DIEP/lymphnode transfer to restore both form and function.

Sincerely,
Bob Allen,MD Lymphedema in the breast cancer patient is caused by removal of axillary lymph nodes with subsequent inflammation and scar formation in the axilla. Radiation therapy further increases the chance of lymphedema. DIEP flap breast reconstruction does not result in more scarring in the axilla and should not cause or aggravate lympedema. With approximately 2000 DIEP breast reconstructions over the past 20 years, no patient has developed lymphedema as a side effect of this surgery.

In 2003 I began vascularized lymph node transfer to the axilla to reduce or eliminate lymphedema. In 2006 I combined the DIEP flap with lymph nodes the restore form and function by reconstructing the breast and treating the lymphedema in one operation. At an international microsurgery symposium I met Corinne Becker, MD. She has been successfully treating lymphedema with vascularized lymph node transfer for many years and is the world leader in this area.

The lady who posed the question is a candidate for combined DIEP/lymphnode transfer to restore both form and function.

Sincerely,
Bob Allen,MD

I think you may be referring to "vascularized lymph node transfer" Check out this blog post about the subject of lymphedema and this surgical procedures from Dr. Craigie back in March.......

http://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/what-are-my-options-if-i-develop-lymphedema/

Here is an excerpt....

" At this point, we have received some very exciting results along with some mixed results and continue to follow our patients very closely. We have had no patients with any serious complications and no patients at this point with lymphedema of the donor site. We are hopeful that the future holds vascularized lymph node transfer as an effective option for people with lymphedema following breast cancer surgery."

Hope this info helps!

I think you may be referring to "vascularized lymph node transfer" Check out this blog post about the subject of lymphedema and this surgical procedures from Dr. Craigie back in March.......

http://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/what-are-my-options-if-i-develop-lymphedema/

Here is an excerpt....

" At this point, we have received some very exciting results along with some mixed results and continue to follow our patients very closely. We have had no patients with any serious complications and no patients at this point with lymphedema of the donor site. We are hopeful that the future holds vascularized lymph node transfer as an effective option for people with lymphedema following breast cancer surgery."

Hope this info helps!