Orthotopic vascularized lymph node transfer in breast cancer-related lymphedema treatment: Functional and life quality outcomes

Abstract

Introduction

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic disease that occurs up to 65% of breast cancer survivors. Traditional treatment is conservative, but new surgeries as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) are at disposal. This study aims to investigate the orthotopic VLNT efficacy in BCRL. Results in terms of limbs' reduction rates and quality of life improvement are compared with the outcomes reported in Literature.

Patients and Methods

During patients' selection, inclusion criteria were monolateral ISL stage II or III BCRL with pathologic lymphoscintigraphy imaging and a minimum of previous 6 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. Bilateral lymphedema, local recurrence or systemic metastasis, acute infection of the limb and deep venous trombosis were exclusion criteria. Surgery consisted in VLNT from the gastroepiploic region to the axilla with axillary scar dissection.

Results

From August 2019 to December 2021, 25 patients were included. At the preoperative scintigraphy exam, mean lymph transport index (TI) was 30 (range; 22.7–29.3). Nine of them (36%) were ISL stage II and 16 (64%) were stage III. Average follow-up was 13.5 months (range; 12–19 months). VLN flaps' survival rate was 100%. One year after surgery, the mean Circumferential Reduction Rate (CRR) resulted 44.62 (range; 27.4–60.3). Infections' rates presented a statistically significant reduction, from an average of 2.4 (range; 1–4) to 0.2 (range; 0–1) episodes per year. Life quality index measured with the LYMQOL questionnaire showed significant improvement after 1 year, from a mean score of 3.28 (range; 2–5) to 8.12 (range; 7–9).

Conclusion

When compared with Literature evidence, the results of the current study are in line with both VLN inset ways related to BCRL treatment. An optimal therapeutic choice should consider benefits and drawbacks of each orthotopic and heterotopic VLNT, taking into account surgeon's preference and experience and patients' related factors and expectations.