Preoperative Indocyanine Green Lymphography and High-Frequency Ultrasound as Predictors of Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis Outcome in Post-Mastectomy Upper Limb Lymphedema

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and high-frequency ultrasound in determining the outcomes of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in patients with post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema. Patients undergoing LVA surgery will undergo preoperative assessment using ICG lymphography and ultrasound mapping of lymphatic vessels and recipient veins. Surgical outcomes will be assessed clinically and functionally through limb circumference measurements, symptom improvement, and postoperative imaging findings. The study seeks to identify imaging predictors associated with successful LVA outcomes and improved postoperative recovery.

Post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition that significantly affects quality of life and upper limb function. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) has emerged as an effective physiologic surgical treatment for selected patients with functioning lymphatic channels. However, predicting surgical success remains challenging. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and high-frequency ultrasound are increasingly used for preoperative evaluation and surgical planning in lymphedema surgery. These imaging modalities allow visualization of lymphatic vessel patency, lymphatic flow patterns, vessel diameter, and recipient vein characteristics, potentially improving patient selection and operative outcomes. This prospective interventional study aims to assess the role of preoperative ICG lymphography and high-frequency ultrasound as predictors of successful LVA outcomes in patients with post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema. Eligible patients diagnosed with secondary upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer treatment will undergo detailed clinical evaluation, limb measurements, ICG lymphography staging, and ultrasound vessel mapping before surgery. Patients will then undergo supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenous anastomosis. Primary outcomes will include postoperative reduction in limb circumference and improvement in clinical symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include correlation between imaging findings and surgical success, postoperative complication rates, and patient-reported functional improvement. The study is expected to contribute to improving patient selection criteria and optimizing preoperative planning for LVA surgery in breast cancer-related lymphedema.