Staying One Step Ahead of Lymphedema at Athenaa

What is Prophylactic Surgery for Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a known complication after axillary clearance or radiation in breast cancer treatment. At Apollo Athenaa, we prioritize proactive strategies to protect lymphatic health and reduce long-term risks through microsurgical innovation, physiotherapy, and patient education.

Preventive lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is a microsurgical procedure performed during axillary clearance to reroute lymphatic flow before symptoms develop, offering one of the most effective approaches to prevention.

Additional measures include early physiotherapy to maintain mobility and stimulate lymphatic circulation, custom-fitted compression garments for high-risk patients, and ongoing education and monitoring to detect early warning signs such as heaviness or subtle swelling. Together, these strategies ensure comprehensive protection and support for long-term arm health.

How the Procedure
is Performed

At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical step is carefully planned and performed by experienced surgeons with a focus on safety, precision, and recovery.

Lymphatic channels and veins are identified using techniques such as Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography to pinpoint suitable vessels for anastomosis.
Tiny incisions are made in the axilla or nearby areas to access the lymphatic vessels and venules.
Under an operating microscope, lymphatic vessels (0.3–0.8 mm) are carefully connected to nearby veins, creating new drainage pathways to prevent fluid buildup.
Incisions are closed carefully, drains may be placed if needed, and flap and lymphatic flow are monitored before completing the surgery.

Recovery

Healing at Apollo Athenaa is supported through structured post-operative care,
counselling, and rehabilitation support.

Hospital Stay

Typically 1–2 days; many patients go home the same day depending on the procedure extent.

Activity Resumption

Light daily activities can usually be resumed within a few days; arm exercises and gentle physiotherapy are encouraged.

Monitoring

Follow-up visits ensure proper healing, assess lymphatic function, and check for any swelling or complications.

Long-Term Care

Patients are guided on preventive measures, including occasional compression use and continued awareness of early lymphedema signs.

Key
Advantages

At Apollo Athenaa, surgery is thoughtfully planned with a personalized approach, ensuring safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

Proactive Intervention

Lymphatic vessels are connected to nearby veins during surgery to prevent swelling.

Immediate Bypass

Creates alternate drainage pathways, reducing fluid buildup post-surgery.

Minimally Invasive

Tiny incisions and minimal tissue trauma enable faster recovery.

ICG Mapping

Indocyanine Green lymphography guides precise vessel selection for effective anastomosis.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, our teams remain involved at every stage, ensuring that recovery is not only physical, but also emotional and empowering. Each woman is supported through:

Close observation immediately after surgery to ensure lymphatic connections are functioning.

Gentle exercises to maintain shoulder mobility and promote lymphatic flow.

Custom-fitted garments for high-risk patients to support drainage and prevent swelling.

Regular appointments to track lymphatic health and provide early intervention if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

01

A microsurgical procedure performed during axillary clearance to prevent lymphedema by creating alternate drainage pathways for lymph fluid.

Who is eligible?

02

Patients undergoing axillary lymph node removal for breast cancer who are at high risk of developing lymphedema.

How is it done?

03

Functional lymphatic vessels are connected to nearby veins under high magnification using supermicrosurgery. Indocyanine Green (ICG) imaging guides the selection of viable vessels.

Is recovery long?

04

No, it is minimally invasive. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, can move their arm gently soon after surgery, and recover quickly compared to traditional procedures.

Does it completely prevent lymphedema?

05

It significantly reduces the risk, but ongoing monitoring, physiotherapy, and lifestyle measures are still important for long-term lymphatic health.

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