title: Axillary Web Syndrome: Current Understanding and New Directions for Treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a poorly understood but common cause of significant morbidity after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. It is characterized by painful scar tissue formation and contracture extending from the axilla down the medial arm which limits shoulder and arm mobility. We sought to gain a better understanding of its pathophysiology and available treatments. Additionally, we present our preliminary experience with 2 novel treatment methods: (1) percutaneous needle cord disruption with fat grafting, (2) Xiaflex injection to the cording.
  
  
  METHODS
  In order to gain better understanding of current treatment modalities, we performed a literature search to identify articles that described axillary cording after axillary dissection exclusively for breast cancer. We performed operative percutaneous cord disruption and immediate autologous fat grafting in 18 patients. Xiaflex injection was performed in one patient. Details from the 2 new treatment modalities are described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Described treatments in the literature include physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, moist heat, and 1 case of Ascueven Forte. Typically, symptoms lasted from 1 week to 2 years, and most cases resolved by 3 months postoperatively with return to preoperative functionality. We found our 2 new treatment modalities markedly improved arm and shoulder range of motion, overall daily functioning, and pain. Aesthetic outcomes were also improved with softening of the cords.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Axillary web syndrome remains an incompletely understood postoperative phenomenon, which warrants further research. Those patients who develop severe cording often do not respond to traditional therapy and may require more aggressive treatment. Our 2 novel techniques provide alternative options for treating this condition.
authors.forename: Merisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piper
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Guajardo
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Denkler
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sbitany
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D003012:Microbial Collagenase / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000637:transplantation; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D003012:Microbial Collagenase