Long-Term Outcomes of Lymph Node Transfer in Secondary Lymphedema and Its Correlation with Flap Characteristics

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Upper limb lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment. Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT) is an emerging therapeutic modality with satisfactory outcomes. However, surgical complexity and potential donor-site morbidity may complicate its application. The aim of our retrospective study was to assess the impact of certain lymph node flap characteristics on long-term outcomes. In a series of 64 post-mastectomy lymphedema patients who underwent VLNT with the Selected Lymph Node technique, we confirmed a positive correlation between lymph node flap size and number of lymph nodes transferred, as well as between flap size and achieved lymphedematic volume reduction. Lymphedema stage and flap vascular pedicle had no significant impact on the final results. These findings underline the necessity for meticulous flap choice, in order to combine a flap harvest of adequate size with more favorable outcomes and minimized donor site morbidity. ABSTRACT: Background: This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of certain flap characteristics on long-term outcomes following microsurgical treatment in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) patients. Methods: Sixty-four out of 65 BCRL patients, guided by the “Selected Lymph Node” (“SeLyN”) technique, underwent Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT) between 2012 and 2018. According to their surface size, flaps were divided into small (<25 cm(2), n = 32) and large (>25 cm(2), n = 32). Twelve large and six small flaps were combined with free abdominally based breast reconstruction procedures. Lymphedema stage, flap size, vascular pedicle and number of lymph nodes (LNs) were analyzed in correlation with long-term Volume Differential Reduction (VDR). Results: At 36-month follow-up, no major complication was recorded in 64 cases; one flap failure was excluded from the study. Mean flap size was 27.4 cm(2), mean LNs/flap 3.3 and mean VDR 55.7%. Small and large flaps had 2.8 vs. 3.8 LNs/flap (p = 0.001), resulting in 49.6% vs. 61.8% VDR (p = 0.032), respectively. Lymphedema stage and vascular pedicle (SIEA or SCIA/SCIP) had no significant impact on VDR. Conclusion: In our series, larger flaps included a higher number of functional LNs, directly associated with better outcomes as quantified by improved VDR.