[Flap transplantation combined with liposuction to treat upper limb lymphedema after mastectomy].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a new surgical method to treat unilateral limb lymphedem after radical mastectomy.


METHODS
10 cases of upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy were treated using flap transfer (the lateral thoracic skin flap or latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap combined with liposuction).


RESULTS
After the treatment, the upper limb perimeter reduced in varied degrees. Nuclear lymphatic radiography showed notable changes in lymphatic circulation. The effective results were steady during the follow-up of 3-18 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Flap transplantation combined with liposuction is a useful treatment for limb lymphedema from radical mastectomy.
Shi
Yue-dong
YD
Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Qi
Fa-zhi
FZ
Zhang
Xue-jun
XJ
Gu
Jian-ying
JY
Wu
Kun-nan
KN
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015409:Mastectomy, Radical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps