title: Surgical approach to lymphedema of the arm after mastectomy.
abstract: Lymphedema of the arm remains an unsolved and incurable complication of mastectomy. None of the current surgical procedures offer a cure for this chronic condition. Of the methods available, it appears that skin and subcutaneous excision performed in stages can provide a reduction in the size of the arm when it reaches proportions that impair normal activity.
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged