In the intervention group, LBS was performed after ALND with the intima-to-intima coaptation using the supermicrosurgery technique. The anastomosis is done between the afferent lymphatic vessel to the recipient's vein, or if possible, from the afferent to the efferent lymphatic vessel. The upper extremity lymphedema (UEL) index and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography are utilized to evaluate the development of lymphedema.
This study evaluate the effectiveness of lymphatic bypass supermicrosurgery (LBS) and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) compare to ALND alone to prevent breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL).