How are you taking part in this consultation?

You will not be able to change how you comment later.

You must be signed in to answer questions

    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Lymphovenous anastomosis during axillary or inguinal node dissection for preventing secondary lymphoedema

    Closed for comments This consultation ended on at   Request commenting lead permission

    Description

    Lymph is a fluid that is carried around the body by a system of small vessels. Surgical removal (dissection) of lymph nodes (also called lymph glands), for example, during surgery for cancer of the breast (axillary nodes) or vulva (inguinal nodes), can lead to a build-up of lymph under the skin (lymphoedema). In this procedure, some of the lymphatic vessels around where the lymph nodes have been removed are diverted to nearby veins (lymphovenous anastomosis). This helps the lymph flow normally and not build up. The procedure is done when the lymph nodes are removed. The aim is to prevent lymphoedema and the symptoms it causes.