[Flap transplantation combined with liposuction to treat upper limb lymphedema after mastectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new surgical method to treat unilateral limb lymphedem after radical mastectomy. METHODS: 10 cases of upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy were treated using flap transfer (the lateral thoracic skin flap or latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap combined with liposuction). RESULTS: After the treatment, the upper limb perimeter reduced in varied degrees. Nuclear lymphatic radiography showed notable changes in lymphatic circulation. The effective results were steady during the follow-up of 3-18 months. CONCLUSION: Flap transplantation combined with liposuction is a useful treatment for limb lymphedema from radical mastectomy.