Prophylactic Lymphatic Bypass Surgery in Perth
Prophylactic Lymphatic Bypass Surgery (LYMPHA Surgery)
What is a LYMPHA procedure?
A surgical procedure used for the attempted prevention of lymphedema. This procedure is performed immediately/ during the same anaesthetic, following the surgical removal of lymph nodes for oncological reasons (most commonly axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer).
The cut end of the lymphatic vessels are re-connected to nearby veins, thus bypassing the lymphatic blockage into the venous system.
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This is a very specialised procedure involving the connection of very small vessels through ‘super’ microsurgical techniques.
The surgery does not increase the risk of surgical or postoperative complications, and there is increasing evidence to support LYMPHA in the reduction of lymphedema caused by axillary lymph node removal.
In some cases, another specialist surgeon may participate in the surgery. For instance, if the lymph node dissection is part of breast cancer treatment, the Breast Surgeon will also perform the lymphadenectomy. For skin cancer treatment, Dr. Taylor will perform both the lymph node dissection and the immediate lymphatic bypass surgery.
Who is suitable for immediate prophylactic lymphatic bypass surgery?
Almost all patients who require a lymph node dissection are suitable for an immediate lymphatic bypass, at the time of the initial surgery.
What Can I Expect with Immediate Lymphatic Bypass Surgery?
A Quick Overview
Surgery time: 1.5-2 hours in addition to the lymph node dissection
Length of stay in hospital: 2-5 nights (remains same for lymph node dissection without bypass – no addition stay is required)
Recovery time: The following are approximate times (remains same for lymph node dissection without bypass).
No lifting arm above 90 degrees for 4 weeks.
Driving 4 weeks, office work 3 - 4 weeks and
strenuous work/ exercise 6 weeks if the movement will affect this area of the body during healing.
Incision and scar: 5-10 cm incision (through the same incision as the lymph node dissection - no additional)
Things I need to know about Immediate Bypass Surgery?
This surgery may not prevent you from developing lymphedema, it aims to reduce the severity of lymphedema you may develop following a lymph node dissection.