Her Fight is Our Mission

Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes from the underarm (axilla) on the same side as breast cancer. It is performed to determine the extent of cancer spread and to prevent further progression. While less commonly required today due to the rise of sentinel node biopsy (where only the first group of lymph nodes to which cancer cells would spread are removed), axillary dissection remains essential in cases where cancer has clearly spread to multiple lymph nodes.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, axillary dissection is performed as part of a carefully individualised treatment plan, often in conjunction with mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. Our goal is to ensure accurate staging and disease control while minimising complications like lymphedema or shoulder stiffness through advanced techniques and integrated rehabilitation.

How the Procedure Is Performed

• The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
• A small incision or surgical cut is made in the natural crease of the underarm.
• Level I and II axillary lymph nodes (typically 10–20 nodes) are carefully removed.
• Bleeding is controlled and a surgical drain is placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
• The cut is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.
• The procedure is often performed alongside a mastectomy or lumpectomy and takes about 60–90 minutes.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: The patient is typically discharged in 1–2 days. A drain remains in place for 5–10 days and is monitored for output.
• Pain management: Mild to moderate pain, tightness, or swelling in the arm or underarm is common and managed with medications and guided movement.
• Physiotherapy: Shoulder mobility exercises are started early to prevent stiffness.
• Resuming routine: Most women resume light activities in 1–2 weeks and return to routine work in 3–4 weeks.

Key Advantages

• Accurate cancer staging, helping tailor further treatment decisions.
• Effective regional disease control, especially when multiple nodes are involved.
• Performed with nerve-preserving techniques to reduce long-term side effects.
• Integrated with physiotherapy and lymphedema prevention, reducing complication rates.
• Done in a single sitting with primary breast surgery for convenience and safety.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, axillary dissection is part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed through tumour board discussions and personalised surgical assessment. Post-surgical support includes:

• Detailed pathology review, which guides radiation and systemic therapy planning
• Early physiotherapy and arm mobility exercises, to prevent shoulder dysfunction and stiffness
• Lymphedema surveillance and management, including education, garments, and early intervention
• Regular follow-up to monitor wound healing, manage any complications, and support return to normal activities
• Emotional and functional recovery, supported by a multidisciplinary care team

Our team ensures that axillary surgery is performed with clinical precision and whole-person care, so that every woman is not only treated but supported in healing fully.