Prevention strategies and treatment principles of upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer operation
ZHANG Bao-ning
Abstract：The incidence of upper limb lymphedema was 21.4% among breast cancer cases performed operation reported in prospective studies and the rate had a geographic variation worldwide. Surgeons should pay attention to the prevention of lymphedema for breast cancer patients. Preventive strategies include standardized operation, radiotherapy, functional exercise and life attentions. Treatment options include conservative treatment, drug and surgical therapies. Surgeries are to reduce lymphetic system load, such as excision of lesion and negative pressure suction technique;to promote lymphetic drainage, such as article fascia drainage, retinal drainage and pedicle flap drainage; and to reconstruct lymphetic channels, such as lymphetic venous anastomosis, lymphetic vessel grafting, vein replacing lymphetic vessel transplantation, and lymph node transplantation. However, the efficacy is unsustainable and hetergeneous. The therapy should focus on early stage, sustainability, integration and individualization.
Keywords：breast cancerupper limblymphedema
Publication Date：2015-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 723-727 )