Microsurgical lymph node transfer

This surgical approach could benefit patients in an advanced stage of the disease. Sometimes it is useful to combine a lymphnode transfer with a LVA to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient.

The lymph nodes are harvested from the groin area or from the lateral thoracic wall. The nodes are transported in a small free flap and the surgeons perform a microvascular anastomosis between the artery and vein.

The transferred lymph nodes work like a sponge and act as a conduit for the lymphatic fluid. Furthermore the lymph nodes have the potency to build new lymphatic channels in the long-term.

This technique can be combined with an autologous breast reconstruction such as a DIEP flap, where the flap is harvested along with groin lymph nodes en bloc.