Developing a Surgical Treatment Plan for Chronic Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Using the Basel Lymphedema Protocol

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how to develop a detailed and practical algorithm to guide surgical treatment for chronic lymphedema that occurs after breast cancer surgery. This observational study aims to fill the current gap in evidence-based recommendations by analyzing data from patients who previously underwent breast cancer-related surgery and later developed lymphedema. The goal is to improve treatment decisions and patient quality of life while supporting insurance coverage approval through stronger scientific data. The study involves reviewing past cases of patients who had chronic lymphedema lasting more than three months and underwent one or more specific surgical procedures for this condition. These procedures include Lymph Node-Vein Anastomosis, Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis, Tumescent Liposuction, Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer, and Water-Assisted Liposuction. Researchers will analyze these surgical treatments and their outcomes to create the Basel Lymphedema Protocol as an evidence-based surgical guideline. Participants data will be collected retrospectively, including details such as surgery dates, type and duration of surgery, lymphedema stage and location, use of compression stockings, and postoperative complications. The study will assess patient characteristics, tumor information, and follow-up results to understand treatment effects better. This comprehensive evaluation will allow researchers to design an integrated algorithm by the end of 2024 and ultimately improve personalized surgical care for chronic lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

An Integrated Algorithm for Surgical Intervention in Chronic Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Treatment: The Basel Lymphedema Protocol