Abstract
Breast cancer patients are at risk for developing postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome
of the ipsilateral upper extremity following treatment for breast cancer in the setting
of an axillary dissection, postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy. For patients
suffering from lymphedema who are also seeking breast reconstruction, combining an
autologous abdominal free flap with a vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer provides
patients the opportunity to have an aesthetic breast reconstruction as well as the
potential to improve their lymphedema in a single operation. The present article aims
to provide a description of the salient features of this approach including the preoperative
preparation, the surgical technique, the postoperative management and complications,
and a summary of the outcomes.
Keywords
vascularized lymph node transfer - breast reconstruction and lymph node transfer -
breast free flap and lymphedema surgery - DIEP flap and lymph node transfer
