Prophylactic Buried Dermal Flap: A Simple Method for Axillary Reconstruction after Lymph Node Dissection

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.