Prophylactic Lymphovenous Bypass Procedure Following Axillary Lymphadenectomy: A Prospective Observational Study
This pilot trial studies whether a procedure called lymphovenous bypass would prevent lymphedema (arm swelling) in patients with inflammatory breast cancer or non-inflammatory breast cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes or melanoma. The lymphovenous bypass procedure creates a path for lymphatic fluid to flow away from the arms. It is usually done after a diagnosis of lymphedema. In this study, giving lymphovenous bypass before underarm lymph node surgery may help prevent lymphedema from forming.
• Patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
• Patients willing to participate.
• Patients able to complete informed consent.
• Patients will be eligible for inclusion if they fall into one for two groups:
‣ Patients with inflammatory breast cancer, and those with locally advanced non-inflammatory breast cancer that are undergoing ALND and are anticipated to receive radiation therapy
⁃ Or: Patients with a diagnosis of melanoma (including unknown primary) that will undergo ALND will also be eligible for inclusion in the study as a comparator group.