Are the risks of lymphedemia higher with a Lat Flap reconstruction vs. a Tram Flap?

Hi Kathy

Your chances of having lymphedema are pretty high - though it's one of those things that some people get and others don't.  I'd say if you haven't experienced it yet you may be one of those lucky ones, but by the same token radiation does seem to have an affect.

After my mastecomy and having 16 nodes removed I suffered lymphedema something terrible.  But I went through PT and learned how to control it myself.  Now I only have flare ups here and there, which have been more often following 31 radiation treatments.  I also had spouts after each of my 7 breast surgeries for mastecomy/reconstruction.  I am in the process of having reconstruction again after 2 failed attempts.  I currently have tissue expanders placed and will be completing the process most likely next year as I had a reccurrence in my chest wall and everything was put on hold for me to do radiation and chemo.

The procedure you choose likely will not have much of an affect on whether or not you experience lymphedema.  You can find some info on lymphedema here - but nothing that I have read suggests that a certain procedure makes you more prone to getting it.

I hope this helps!

Angi

Hi Kathy: First, you might want to read our lymphedema FAQS. Your main risk for lymphedema is that you had 22 lymph nodes removed; not that you're having reconstruction. So, as Angi said, you're already at big risk. The type of reconstruction will only impact your risk if they further disturb your lymph nodes during the reconstruction survey. Your best bet, if you have the surgery: get physical therapy ASAP afterwards, to get your range of arm motion back and avoid frozen shoulder and any other problems that may crop up from immobility. And your chances of getting it are still probably less than 50%, even with the surgery you've had, so think positive. Good luck - PJH