Lymph-bypass in forearm after unsuccessful axilla surgery

kmkerr58

Hello,

I was supposed to have LYMPHA (bypass) during my double mastectomy/ALND in 2023. The surgeon at that time could not find any good vessels to make the connection in the axilla. So, I wear a sleeve 8 hours every day and do regular manual lymph drainage to manage mild lymphedema and keep it from progressing.

I've also heard about bypass that can be done in the forearm when the axilla surgery is unsuccessful. Has anyone else heard of this or had this done?

Thanks!

maggie15

Hi @kmkerr58, There are two different procedures for LE which can be done post surgery. One is VLNT (vascularized lumph node transfer) where damaged lymph nodes are replaced by nodes from another part of the body. The other is LVA (lymphphaticovenous anastomosis) where lymphatic vessels are connected to nearby veins to provide an alternate pathway for lymphatic fluid drainage. From the research I did on this the outcome is mixed. You need to find vascular surgeons who are experienced in these methods (many do just one type) and discuss your unique circumstances. I did not have the surgery but some people have had good results (i.e. LE is not eliminated but is greatly improved.) Good luck on your quest.

kmkerr58

Hello @maggie15,

Thank you so much for your response. I appreciate your time!

I'm specifically asking about LYMPHA bypass (same as LVA) in the forearm when there aren't any good vessels in the axilla. I wonder if anyone else has found a surgeon to do it in the forearm.

Thanks!

maggie15

Someone I know had that done several years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC so you might want to check with the surgeons there.