title: Update on Post-mastectomy Lymphedema Management.
abstract: Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition caused by an imbalance of lymphatic flow. Upper extremity lymphedema has been reported in 16-40% of breast cancer patients following axillary lymph node dissection. Furthermore, lymphedema following sentinel lymph node biopsy alone has been reported in 3.5% of patients. While the disease process is not new, there has been significant progress in the surgical care of lymphedema that can offer alternatives and improvements in management. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update and overview of the current advances and surgical treatment options for upper extremity lymphedema.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Doscher
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: Jillian E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: Katie E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Weichman
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: Evan S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Garfein
mesh_terms: D000072656:Breast Cancer Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects
keywords: lymphedema; mastectomy complications; surgery