Stav Brown, George Kokosis, Francis D Graziano, Oriana Haran, Elizabeth Smith-Montes, Oliver Zivanovic, Charlotte E Ariyan, Daniel G Coit, Michelle Coriddi, Babak J Mehrara, Joseph H Dayan
Patients undergoing extensive lymph node dissection and radiation are at high risk for not only lymphedema but also painful contracture. In a standard lymphadenectomy, immediate lymphatic reconstruction using a lymphovenous bypass is effective in reconstructing the lymphatic defect. However, a more aggressive nodal clearance leaves the patient with a large cavity and skeletonized neurovascular structures, often resulting in severe contracture, pain, cosmetic deformity, and venous stricture. Adjuvant radiotherapy to the nodal bed can lead to severe and permanent disability despite physical therapy...
April 2024: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open