1
|
Fallah KN, Ahmed S, Venardi AS, Hulsman LA, Fisher CS, Ludwig KK, Lester ME, Hassanein AH. Prophylactic Buried Dermal Flap: A Simple Method for Axillary Reconstruction after Lymph Node Dissection. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e6166. [PMID: 39267730 PMCID: PMC11392472 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000006166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer-related lymphedema is characterized by progressive limb enlargement and occurs in up to 30% of breast cancer patients following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is a preventative technique used to reduce lymphedema rates by performing lymphovenous anastomoses of disrupted afferent lymphatics. This study presents a novel method of axillary reconstruction following ALND using a buried dermal flap that provides local tissue with intact subdermal lymphatics to the axillary dead space. A single-center retrospective review was performed to assess breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy without reconstruction between 2018 and 2023. Groups were divided into those who had ILR alone (group 1) and those who had buried dermal flap with attempted ILR (group 2). There were 31 patients included in this study: 18 patients in group 1 and 13 patients in group 2. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and breast cancer history were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in the mean number of lymphovenous anastomoses performed (1.6 versus 1.7, P = 0.84). Mean operative time of 224.4 ± 51.9 minutes in group 1 was similar to 223.4 ± 30.4 minutes in group 2 (P = 0.95). We introduce a novel method of axillary reconstruction following ALND using a buried dermal flap that is inset into the axillary dissection space and over the area of ILR. We propose that it is an efficient accessory procedure to augment ILR by providing supplementary intact lymphatic channels to the area of lymphatic injury, while obliterating the axillary dead space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasra N Fallah
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Shahnur Ahmed
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Andrew S Venardi
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Luci A Hulsman
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Carla S Fisher
- Division of Breast Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Kandice K Ludwig
- Division of Breast Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Mary E Lester
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Aladdin H Hassanein
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmed S, Hulsman L, Roth D, Fisher C, Ludwig K, Imeokparia FO, VonDerHaar RJ, Lester ME, Hassanein AH. Evaluating Operative Times for Intraoperative Conversion of Axillary Node Biopsy to Axillary Lymph Node Dissection with Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024. [PMID: 38866037 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphedema can occur in patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiation for breast cancer. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is performed to decrease the risk of lymphedema in patients after ALND. Some patients who ultimately require ALND are candidates for attempted sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or targeted axillary excision. In those scenarios, ALND can be performed (1) immediately if frozen sections are positive or (2) as a second operation following permanent pathology. The purpose of this study is to evaluate immediate ALND/ILR following positive intraoperative frozen sections to guide surgical decision-making and operative planning. METHODS A single-center retrospective review was performed (2019-2022) for breast cancer patients undergoing axillary node surgery with breast reconstruction. Patients were divided into two groups: immediate conversion to ALND/ILR (Group 1) and no immediate conversion to ALND (Group 2). Demographic data and operative time were recorded. RESULTS There were 148 patients who underwent mastectomy, tissue expander (TE) reconstruction, and axillary node surgery. Group 1 included 30 patients who had mastectomy, sentinel node/targeted node biopsy, TE reconstruction, and intraoperative conversion to immediate ALND/ILR. Group 2 had 118 patients who underwent mastectomy with TE reconstruction and SLNB with no ALND or ILR. Operative time for bilateral surgery was 303.1 ± 63.2 minutes in Group 1 compared with 222.6 ± 52.2 minutes in Group 2 (p = 0.001). Operative time in Group 1 patients undergoing unilateral surgery was 252.3 ± 71.6 minutes compared with 171.3 ± 43.2 minutes in Group 2 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Intraoperative frozen section of sentinel/targeted nodes extended operative time by approximately 80 minutes in patients undergoing mastectomy with breast reconstruction and conversion of SLNB to ALND/ILR. Intraoperative conversion to ALND adds unpredictability to the operation as well as additional potentially unaccounted operative time. However, staging ALND requires an additional operation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnur Ahmed
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Luci Hulsman
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Dylan Roth
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Carla Fisher
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kandice Ludwig
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Folasade O Imeokparia
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Mary E Lester
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Aladdin H Hassanein
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahmed S, Imeokparia FO, Hassanein AH. Surgical management of lymphedema: prophylactic and therapeutic operations. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2024; 16:185-192. [PMID: 38988994 PMCID: PMC11233112 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-024-00543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Lymphedema is chronic limb swelling from lymphatic dysfunction and is currently incurable. Breast-cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) affects up to 5 million Americans and occurs in one-third of breast cancer survivors following axillary lymph node dissection. Compression remains the mainstay of therapy. Surgical management of BCRL includes excisional procedures to remove excess tissue and physiologic procedures to attempt improve fluid retention in the limb. The purpose of this review is to highlight surgical management strategies for preventing and treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. Recent findings Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is a microsurgical technique that anastomoses disrupted axillary lymphatic vessels to nearby veins at the time of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and has been reported to reduce lymphedema rates from 30% to 4-12%. Summary Postsurgical lymphedema remains incurable. Surgical management of lymphedema includes excisional procedures and physiologic procedures using microsurgical technique. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction has emerged as a prophylactic strategy to prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnur Ahmed
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Folasade O Imeokparia
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Aladdin H Hassanein
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed S, Mohan G, Hulsman L, Greene AK, Shaheen M, Sinha M, Hassanein AH. The Lymphedematous Limb as a Donor Site for Breast Fat Grafting. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5824. [PMID: 38798937 PMCID: PMC11124749 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer-related lymphedema results in chronic upper limb swelling with subcutaneous deposition of fluid and fibroadipose tissue. Morbidity includes psychosocial distress, infection, and difficulty using the extremity. Operative management includes excisional procedures such as suction-assisted lipectomy to reduce abnormal subcutaneous fibroadipose tissue to improve limb volume. Patients who have had postmastectomy breast reconstruction often benefit from fat grafting. This report introduces the concept of fat grafting the breast using the lymphedematous arm as a donor site. This technique improves the volume of the limb by removing the excess subcutaneous adipose, and at the same time reconstructs the breast without adding a donor site not related to the breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnur Ahmed
- From Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Ganesh Mohan
- From Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Luci Hulsman
- From Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Arin K. Greene
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Muhammad Shaheen
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Mithun Sinha
- From Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Aladdin H. Hassanein
- From Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cook JA, Sinha M, Lester M, Fisher CS, Sen CK, Hassanein AH. Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction to Prevent Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2022; 11:382-391. [PMID: 34714158 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2021.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance: Lymphedema is chronic limb swelling from lymphatic dysfunction. The condition affects up to 250 million people worldwide. In breast cancer patients, lymphedema occurs in 30% who undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Recent Advances: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR), also termed Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (LyMPHA), is a method to decrease the risk of lymphedema by performing prophylactic lymphovenous anastomoses at the time of ALND. The objective of this study is to assess the risk reduction of ILR in preventing lymphedema. Critical Issues: Lymphedema has significant effects on the quality of life and morbidity of patients. Several techniques have been described to manage lymphedema after development, but prophylactic treatment of lymphedema with ILR may decrease risk of development to 6.6%. Future Directions: Long-term studies that demonstrate efficacy of ILR may allow for prophylactic management of lymphedema in the patient undergoing lymph node dissection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Cook
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mithun Sinha
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary Lester
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Carla S. Fisher
- Division of Surgical Oncology; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Chandan K. Sen
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Aladdin H. Hassanein
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bamba R, Chu A, Gallegos J, Herrera FA, Hassanein AH. Outcomes analysis of microsurgical physiologic lymphatic procedures for the upper extremity from the United States National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Microsurgery 2021; 42:305-311. [PMID: 34812535 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physiologic microsurgical procedures to treat lymphedema include vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) and lymphovenous bypass (LVB). The purpose of this study was to assess 30-day outcomes of VLNT and LVB using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. METHODS NSQIP was queried (2012-2018) for lymphatic procedures for upper extremity lymphedema after mastectomy. Prophylactic lymphatic procedures and those for lower extremity lymphedema were excluded. Outcomes were assessed for three groups: LVB, VLNT, and patients who had procedures simultaneously (VLNA+LVB). Primary outcomes measured were operative time, 30-day morbidities, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS The study included 199 patients who had LVB (n = 43), VLNT (n = 145), or VLNT+LVB (n = 11). There was no difference in co-morbidities between the groups (p = 0.26). 30-day complication rates including unplanned reoperation (6.9% VLNT vs. 2.3% LVB) and readmission (0.69% VLNT vs. none in LVB) were not statistically significant (p = 0.54). Surgical site infection, wound complications, deep vein thromboembolism, and cardiac arrest was also similar among the three groups. Postoperative length of stay for VLNT (2.5 days± 2.3), LVB (1.9 days± 1.9), and VLNT+LVB (2.8 days± 0.3) did not differ significantly (p = 0.20). Operative time for LVB (305.4 min ± 186.7), VLNT (254 min ± 164.4), and VLNT+LVB (295.3 min ± 43.2) was not significantly different (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis of the NSQIP data revealed that VLNT and LVB are procedures with no significant difference in perioperative morbidity. Our results support that choice of VLNT versus LVB can be justifiably made per the surgeon's preference and experience as the operations have similar complication rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Bamba
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Amanda Chu
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jose Gallegos
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Fernando A Herrera
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Aladdin H Hassanein
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mailey BA, Alrahawan G, Brown A, Yamamoto M, Hassanein AH. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Lymph Node Dissection, and Lymphedema Management Options in Melanoma. Clin Plast Surg 2021; 48:607-616. [PMID: 34503721 DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma tumor thickness and ulceration are the strongest predictors of nodal spread. The recommendations for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) have been updated in recent American Joint Committee on Cancer and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines to include tumor thickness ≥0.8 mm or any ulcerated melanoma. Mitotic rate is no longer considered an indicator for determining T category. Improvements in disease-specific survival conferred from SLNB were demonstrated through level I data in the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT) I. The role for completion lymph node dissection has evolved to less surgery in lieu of recent domestic (MSLT II) and international (Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial [DeCOG-SLT]) level I data having similar melanoma-specific survival. Treatment options for the prevention of treatment of lymphedema have progressed to include immediate lymphatic reconstruction, lymphovenous anastomosis, and vascularized lymph node transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Mailey
- Brachial Plexus and Tetraplegia Clinic, Institute for Plastic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 747 N. Rutledge Street, PO Box 19653, Springfield, IL 62794, USA.
| | - Ghaith Alrahawan
- University of Missouri Columbia, School of Medicine, 1 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Amanda Brown
- Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, 747 N. Rutledge Street, PO Box 19653, Springfield, IL 62794, USA
| | - Maki Yamamoto
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, 333 City Blvd West, Suite 1600, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Aladdin H Hassanein
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr, Suite 232, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hassanein AH, Sinha M, Neumann CR, Mohan G, Khan I, Sen CK. A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model. J Vis Exp 2021:10.3791/61848. [PMID: 33645579 PMCID: PMC8056335 DOI: 10.3791/61848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is extremity swelling caused by lymphatic dysfunction. The affected limb enlarges because of accumulation of fluid, adipose, and fibrosis. There is no cure for this disease. A mouse tail model that uses a focal full thickness skin excision near the base of the tail, resulting in tail swelling, has been used to study lymphedema. However, this model may result in vascular comprise and consequent tail necrosis and early tail swelling resolution, limiting its clinical translatability. The chronic murine tail lymphedema model induces sustained lymphedema over 15 weeks and a reliable perfusion to the tail. Enhancements of the traditional murine tail lymphedema model include 1) precise full thickness excision and lymphatic clipping using a surgical microscope, 2) confirmation of post-operative arterial and venous perfusion using high resolution laser speckle, and 3) functional assessment using indocyanine green near infrared laser lymphangiography. We also use tissue nanotransfection technology (TNT) for novel non-viral, transcutaneous, focal delivery of genetic cargo to the mouse tail vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin H Hassanein
- Department of Surgery, Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine;
| | - Mithun Sinha
- Department of Surgery, Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Colby R Neumann
- Department of Surgery, Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Ganesh Mohan
- Department of Surgery, Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Surgery, Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Chandan K Sen
- Department of Surgery, Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alderfer L, Wei A, Hanjaya-Putra D. Lymphatic Tissue Engineering and Regeneration. J Biol Eng 2018; 12:32. [PMID: 30564284 PMCID: PMC6296077 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-018-0122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system is a major circulatory system within the body, responsible for the transport of interstitial fluid, waste products, immune cells, and proteins. Compared to other physiological systems, the molecular mechanisms and underlying disease pathology largely remain to be understood which has hindered advancements in therapeutic options for lymphatic disorders. Dysfunction of the lymphatic system is associated with a wide range of disease phenotypes and has also been speculated as a route to rescue healthy phenotypes in areas including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurological conditions. This review will discuss lymphatic system functions and structure, cell sources for regenerating lymphatic vessels, current approaches for engineering lymphatic vessels, and specific therapeutic areas that would benefit from advances in lymphatic tissue engineering and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Alderfer
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Alicia Wei
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Donny Hanjaya-Putra
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46656 USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NDnano), University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| |
Collapse
|