An audit of the incidence of arm lymphoedema after prophylactic level I/II axillary dissection without division of the pectoralis minor muscle

Abstract

This study demonstrates that lymphoedema is a common complication following level 1,2 dissection. Whole limb volume is often considered the main outcome measure for detecting lymphoedema and determining success of treatment, yet swelling may be restricted to regions of the limb and site specific circumference measurements are therefore recommended. Pre- and postoperative circumference measurements are likely to be the most sensitive way of determining presence of lymphoedema following surgery for breast cancer.