LYMPHA Procedure with Mastectomy?

LW422 · May 2021

Hello all. Today I had a meeting with my surgical oncologist to discuss my upcoming single mastectomy. Since I have IBC, the breast and 2 levels of lymph nodes will be removed, though I only have one lymph node that seems enlarged. (Not sure I have the vernacular correct as far as "2 levels" of nodes, but the doctor said something like that. :whut: ) I was kind of bummed to hear that that many nodes will be removed, and mentioned that I have a fear of lymphedema.

We had also discussed my desire to have an "aesthetic flat closure" with NO dog ears or other reasons for repeated revisions. I do not plan to have reconstruction. The SO said that a plastic surgeon will be called in to do the mastectomy close, and he also does a microsurgical procedure called a "LYMPHA." (Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach) This attaches the cut lymphatic channels to tiny veins, which allows the lymphatic fluid to drain. She said this procedure will add about 3 hours to my surgery.

I told her that I am very interested in this procedure, particularly since it is done at the same time as the mastectomy and apparently is successful in reducing the chance of developing lymphedema. Has anyone here had this procedure in conjunction with their mastectomy, and how have you fared with this? Would you do it again? Any complications? Thanks for sharing.

buttonsmachine · May 2021

Hello, I have not done this surgery, but I just wanted to chime in and say that I think you are doing the right thing by trying to avert this complication ahead of time, before the damage is done.

I did not do this (it was not an option for me at the time) and now I am dealing with lymphedema. Having talked with lymphedema therapists and microsurgeons since then, I think you are making the right choice. Best wishes and keep us posted!

LW422 · May 2021

Thanks, Buttonsmachine. I'm so sorry that you and so many others are dealing with lymphedema. Next to having IBC, lymphedema is my biggest fear, so anything I can possibly do to prevent it is of great interest to me.

I know that having the LYMPHA procedure in conjunction with mastectomy is fairly new but I'm hoping this thread will get some responses. I also wonder how the LYMPHA connections will hold up when subjected to radiation, which I also will have to have after surgery. I need to add that to my list of questions for the surgical team.

Thanks again for responding, and my very best wishes to you.

LivinLife · May 2021

LW422 really ironic you're bringing this up.... I do not have lymphedema though I have persistent, tho improved, cording, likely due to scleroderma/connective tissue disease issues. I saw my Cleveland Clinic rheum earlier in the week and he mentioned some kind of lymph procedure that might help with the cording. I bet what you are referring to is what he was talking about. I thought he lost his mind LOL LOL though he's brilliant.... I was afraid such a procedure would just add to complications though now you have me thinking differently about this. I wish you the best and thanks for posting this!!!

LW422 · May 2021

Hiya LivinLife. Sorry to hear of your cording and I truly hope you never have to deal with lymphedema. I had heard of this type of microsurgery being done AFTER a patient showed signs of developing lymphedema or had "early stage". But I only lately began to hear of the procedure being done at the same time as the mastectomy... which really appeals to me since it may prevent lymphedema altogether.

I still have a few months before my surgery (more chemo!), probably sometime in August. So I'll be compiling a list of questions for the plastic surgeon who does the microsurgery. I will share anything I learn in this thread and I'm hopeful that anyone who has had the procedure will chime in.

LYMPHA Procedure with Mastectomy?

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