[Preventive axillary lymphovenous anastomoses simultaneously with lymph node dissection in the treatment of breast cancer for prevention of lymphedema of the upper limb (LYMPHA technique)]. / Preventivnoe nalozhenie limfovenoznykh anastomozov v podmyshechnoi oblasti odnomomentno s limfaticheskoi dissektsiei pri lechenii raka molochnoi zhelezy dlya profilaktiki limfedemy verkhnei konechnosti (metodika LYMPHA).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect the LYMPHA technique on the incidence of upper limb lymphedema in patients with breast cancer after complete axillary lymph node dissection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 89 patients with breast cancer and signs of metastatic lesion of axillary lymph nodes who underwent complete axillary lymph dissection. In group 1 (41 patients), the LYMPHA technique was used simultaneously with lymph node dissection; in group 2 (48 patients) - lymph node dissection alone. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 1 year. The LYMPHA technique prolonged surgery and decreased duration of postoperative lymphorrhea. The incidence of upper limb lymphedema was 9.8% and 22.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The LYMPHA technique was effective for prevention of upper limb lymphedema after complete axillary lymph node dissection in the treatment of breast cancer.

[Primary plastic reconstructive surgery as a component of therapy for breast cancer]. / Pervichnye rekonstruktivno-plasticheskie operatsii pri rake molochnoi zhelezy.

We have carried out 281 primary plastic reconstructive operations (thoracodorsal flap--171; rectoabdominal flap--104) as a component of therapy for breast cancer in 1998-2004. Such indications as young age and the patient's desire to preserve the breast were considered. Radical intervention was followed by breast reconstruction. Individualized treatment made it possible to combine radicality of intervention with formation of a breast well matching the intact one.

[Parasternal lymph node excision in breast cancer]. / Parasternal'naia limfadenéktomiia pri rake molochnoi zhelezy.

Comparative analysis of the results of videothoracoscopic parasternal lymphadenectomy and standard mastectomy by Urban--Holdin is presented. In November 1995 to December 1999 205 videothoracoscopic parasternal lymphadenectomies were performed (96--on the left, 104--on the right). Central and medial location of breast cancer was indication for this operation. Age of the patients ranged from 23 to 73 years. Surgery was performed under intravenous anesthesia in the conditions of artificial lung ventilation with separate lung intubation. Mastectomy was performed as the first stage. Further, thoracoports were introduced into pleural cavity in the 5th intercostal space along medioclavicular and mediaxillar lines and in the 4th intercostal space along anterior axillar line. Parietal pleurotemy was performed parallely to internal thoracic vessels, parasternal fat and lymph nodes were removed en-block. Parasternal lymph nodes were involved in 40 (19.5%) patients. The spirometry, cardiomonitoring which were used pre-, intra-, postoperatively demonstrated that parasternal thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy is less traumatic and effective as diagnostic method than mastectomy by Urban--Holdin. Parasternal thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy can be recommended as a method of choice in medial and central breast cancer.