Objective: To investigate a new surgical method to treat unilateral limb lymphedem after radical mastectomy.
Methods: 10 cases of upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy were treated using flap transfer (the lateral thoracic skin flap or latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap combined with liposuction).
Results: After the treatment, the upper limb perimeter reduced in varied degrees. Nuclear lymphatic radiography showed notable changes in lymphatic circulation. The effective results were steady during the follow-up of 3-18 months.
Conclusion: Flap transplantation combined with liposuction is a useful treatment for limb lymphedema from radical mastectomy.