Evaluation of Simplified Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (SLYMPHA) for the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection using bioimpedance spectroscopy

Simplified Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (SLYMPHA) is a surgical procedure which aims to decrease lymphoedema rates in patients receiving axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The study cohort included patients undergoing ALND +/- SLYMPHA (2014-2020; n=197). Bioimpedance spectroscopy (L-Dex) score outside the normal range (+/-10 L-Dex unit) or >10 L-Dex unit increase above the patient’s baseline were defined as lymphoedema. SLYMPHA was performed in 57% of the study cohort (mean follow up 47 months). Patients who received SLYMPHA had significantly lower rate of lymphoedema (16% vs. 32%; p=0.01; OR 0.4).

Classifications: Breast & Oncoplastic Surgery

Keywords: Axilla Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy/ SLNB Lymphoedema