Lymphedema Following Hand/Wrist Surgery in Women Post Axillary Node Dissection

Lymphedema Following Elective Hand and Wrist Surgery in Women Who Are Post Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Prospective, Randomized, Clinical Trial

This is a prospective, randomized, equivalence trial designed to evaluate postoperative complications following hand surgery with a brachial tourniquet and without a tourniquet in patients that have previously had a mastectomy with axillary node dissection with or without radiation treatment or history of lymphedema.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a history of ipsilateral mastectomy with lymph node dissection with or without radiation treatment.
• Patients ages 18 and over
• Patients who have failed conservative, nonoperative treatment and present for an elective hand procedure with an anticipated tourniquet time of < 20 minutes.
• The subject is psychosocially, mentally, and physically able to understand and comply with the requirements of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients that are not postoperative mastectomy with lymph node dissection with or without radiation treatment
• Patients under the age of 18
• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients presenting for an elective hand procedure with an anticipated tourniquet time of > 20 minutes.
• Patients who are on a blood thinner which cannot be stopped prior to surgery
• The subject has another concurrent physical or mental condition that is likely to affect compliance with the study requirements.