The researchers are doing this study to see if having immediate lymphatic reconstruction after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can decrease the development of lymphedema, a side effect of ALND. Other purposes of the study include:
Comparing the approach of immediate lymphatic reconstruction after ALND with the approach of ALND alone Looking at whether having immediate lymphatic reconstruction after ALND improves a person's quality of life Seeing if adding standard of care radiation therapy to either study approach (immediate lymphatic reconstruction after ALND or ALND alone) has an effect on development of lymphedema
Female breast cancer patients 18-75 years of age Patients consenting for unilateral ALND (prior history of SLNBx allowed if <6 months from consent) OR patients consenting for unilateral SLNBx with possible ALND, with a clinically or radiographically positive lymph node OR a high likelihood of ALND per the Breast Surgeon Identification of at least one transected lymphatic channel and at least one vein to be used for bypass at the time of ALND during surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
Male breast cancer patients Non-English speaking participants Female breast cancer patients with axillary recurrence Female breast cancer patients who have a history of ALND Female patients requiring bilateral ALND for the treatment of their breast cancer Female breast patients treated with SLNBx only
