Effect of ALND With Vein Branches Reservation on Postoperative Upper Limb Edema and Dysfunction in Breast Cancer

Postoperative Upper Limb Edema and Dysfunction Generated by Axillary Nodes Excision With or Without Axillary Vein Branches Reservation in Breast Cancer Patients: a Prospective, Multiple-center, Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Study

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of axillary lymph node dissection with or without axillary vein branches reservation on the affected upper limb edema and dysfunction in breast cancer patients, and to explore the solutions to prevent the affected upper limb edema and dysfunction after ALND.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-69 years old,
• Regardless of gender,
• Breast masses were diagnosed by histology and pathology, stage II -III.
• Clinical palpation of axillary lymph nodes is positive, or
• Axillary lymph node puncture pathology is positive, or
• The multidisciplinary treatment cooperation group (MDT) recommends axillary lymph node dissection,
• Good physical state score (0-2),
• No severe organ complications,
• No congenital or acquired diseases affecting the normal morphology and functional activities of the upper limbs,
• Informed consent, understanding and compliance with research requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or lactation,
• Inflammatory breast cancer,
• Clinical findings of metastatic lesions,
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy was negative,
• History of upper limb or shoulder, chest, back trauma or surgery,
• Previous history of local radiotherapy,
• History of other tumors,
• Vascular embolic disease,
• Those who are unable to comply with the clinical trial requirements for any reason.