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Unexplained Swelling Could Be Lymphedema
Suffering from swelling without a known cause? It could be lymphedema. Learn what happens when there are issues with lymphatic drainage.
Lymphedema Surgery
We offer advanced lymphatic reconstruction to help prevent or manage lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a build-up of fluid in the fatty tissue just under the skin. The condition results in swelling, usually in the arms and legs. It’s the most common long-term complication of cancer treatment and can occur when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during breast cancer surgery or radiation treatment. While there is no cure, our breast reconstruction surgeons can help you manage it to reduce swelling and control pain.
However, not everyone is a candidate for surgical management of lymphedema. Before being referred to one of our lymphedema surgeons, you should be evaluated by our medical lymphedema team.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery: What to Know
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction surgery has been shown to provide a variety of mental and physical benefits
Lymphedema surgery: Why choose Henry Ford Health?
- Integrated care: Plastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction play a crucial role on our breast cancer tumor board. We are the only program in Michigan to include plastic surgeons in the breast cancer team.
- Expert team: Each year, our lymphatic surgeons help women with breast cancer find relief by using proven microsurgical approaches for the best possible outcomes.
- The latest procedures: Our lymphatic surgeons are experienced in the latest lymphedema surgery options. This includes lymphatic reconstruction at the time of lymph node dissection that may help reduce your risk of developing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, as well as procedures to help manage your symptoms if you already have lymphedema.
- Streamlined referrals: When necessary, your lymphatic surgeon can refer you to other services within Henry Ford Health, including lymphedema therapy.
- Support throughout your care: Cancer care is a journey. We provide support throughout treatment to help aid your recovery and ensure you can enjoy the highest quality of life.
FAQs about lymphedema surgery at Henry Ford Health
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How Does Preventive Lymphatic Reconstruction Work
If your breast cancer surgery will include removing lymph nodes, we may recommend preventive lymphedema surgery. This helps reduce the chance that you will develop lymphedema in the arm where your lymph nodes will be removed.
LYMPHA
- We use the lymphatic microsurgical healing approach (LYMPHA) technique, which connects lymphatic draining channels in your arm to veins that are left behind during your lymph node removal.
- This specialized procedure can only be performed by a plastic surgeon who is trained in microsurgical lymphedema surgery.
- Our studies have shown a 50% decrease in the risk for developing lymphedema after a successful procedure.
Preventive lymphedema surgery may be recommended if:
- Your breast cancer surgery will involve having complete clearance of all lymph nodes in the armpit.
- Known as axillary lymph node dissection, or ALND, this means that cancer has spread into your lymph nodes and most or all of these will be removed.
Not recommended if you:
- Are getting a sentinel node biopsy procedure. This is typically recommended for women who have early-stage breast cancer, and it’s used to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
- Have a previous history of radiation to your armpit.
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I Already Have Lymphedema. What Are My Surgical Options?
If lymphedema is already present, we may be able to use a microsurgical vascularized lymph node transfer or lymphatic to venous bypass procedure to reconstruct your lymphatic system.
Vascularized lymph node transfer
- This lymphatic reconstruction procedure involves transplanting lymph nodes and their blood vessels from other parts of your body to replace the ones that have been removed.
- This specialized procedure can only be performed by a plastic surgeon who is trained in microsurgical lymphedema surgery.
Lymphatic to venous bypass
- This lymphatic reconstruction procedure involves rerouting and connecting your lymphatic vessels to nearby veins.
- This specialized procedure can only be performed by a plastic surgeon who is trained in microsurgical lymphedema surgery.
These procedures may be recommended if you:
- Have stage 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer.
These procedures may not be recommended if you:
- Have stage 4 breast cancer.
- Are a diabetic with poorly controlled blood sugars. People who have an A1C greater than 7 are not a candidate.
- Are obese (BMI greater than 30) or have other significant medical issues.
- Are not compliant with lymphedema physical therapy or using compression sleeves.
- Are unable to tolerate a long operation.
- Are an active smoker or marijuana user. These must be stopped within 8 weeks of surgery.
- Check with your insurance provider, as these types of vascularization procedures are not covered by all insurances.
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Can Surgery Cure Lymphedema?
There is no cure for lymphedema, but lymphatic reconstruction may help reduce swelling, heaviness of the limb and the risk for cellulitis.
It will not necessarily reduce the need for a compression sleeve or completely reverse the lymphedema.