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Overview

Axillary lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure to remove some of the lymph nodes in the armpit (approximately 8-10 out of 40 lymph nodes). This procedure has long been used in breast cancer surgery for staging and clearing lymph nodes that have been affected by cancer spread. Nowadays, it is performed in patients with known extensive lymph node spread (metastasis) in the armpit and in patients who are found to have metastasis in the sentinel lymph node biopsy during breast cancer surgery.

Procedure Details

• Procedure Name: Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
• Duration: 30-60 minutes (added to the surgery time if performed with breast cancer surgery)
• Anesthesia: Usually performed under general anesthesia as it is often done with breast cancer surgery.
• Location: Atlas University Hospital – Istanbul
• Possible Side Effects: Pain, swelling, infection in the surgical area, lymphedema (arm swelling), limited arm movement (temporary), loss of sensation.
• Recovery Time: Recovery begins within a few days; full recovery may take several weeks. Recovery is accelerated with the given exercises.
• Expected Outcomes: Evaluation of cancer spread to the axillary lymph nodes, treatment planning, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence in the lymph nodes. Treatment of cancer, reducing its spread to the body, increasing survival.

Daily Plan

• Day 1:

  • Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the hospital.
  • Pre-operative consultation and detailed examination with your surgeon, evaluation of tests and planning of additional tests if needed.
  • Planning of axillary lymph node dissection and breast cancer surgery.

• Day 2:

  • Axillary lymph node dissection with breast cancer surgery.
  • Post-operative wound care, pain control and drain monitoring.
  • Hospital stay usually depends on the type of breast cancer surgery.

• Day 3:

  • Post-operative check-up by the surgeon.
  • Changing of dressings.
  • Starting arm exercises.
  • Discharge from the hospital and transfer to the hotel.

• Day 4-5:

  • Rest at the hotel.
  • Continue arm exercises.
  • Gradual return to daily activities according to your doctor’s recommendations. Receiving pathology results and evaluation by the oncology department.

• Day 6:

  • Return to your country.

Post-Operative Care

• Use antibiotics and pain medications as recommended by your doctor.
• Do arm exercises regularly.
• Dress the surgical area as instructed, keep it clean and dry.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment with a local doctor after returning to your country.

FAQ

• Q: Is axillary lymph node dissection painful?
  • A: There may be pain after surgery, but it can be controlled with pain medications.
• Q: How is axillary lymph node dissection performed?
  • A: Lymph nodes and surrounding fatty tissue in the armpit are surgically removed. The removed lymph nodes are sent for pathological examination.
• Q: What are the risks of axillary lymph node dissection?
  • A: There are risks such as infection, bleeding, lymphedema (arm swelling), loss of sensation, and limited arm movement. Your doctor will explain the risks in detail.
• Q: Who is suitable for axillary lymph node dissection?
  • A: Axillary lymph node dissection may be performed in patients with breast cancer who have suspected spread to the axillary lymph nodes or who have cancer cells found in the sentinel lymph node biopsy. Your doctor will evaluate the characteristics of the tumor and your overall health to determine if it is right for you.