Axillary lymph node dissection / clearance

Identification and surgical removal of lymph nodes from the armpit (axilla), in patients with breast cancer and lymph node metastasis. The lymph nodes is then examined in the pathology lab whether cancer cells are present.

Speciality General Surgery, Breast Surgery
Urgency elective, urgent
Duration 30 min to 1 h
Blood Loss minimal to 250 ml
Anaesthesia General Anaesthetic +/- Nerve Block
Nerve Blocks Pectoralis 1+2 blocks
Pain mild-moderate (++)
Post-op Pain Local up to 4-8 hours, Nerve Block up to 10-30 hours
Post-op Pain II Tablets, Suppositories, Injection (im, iv)
Hospital Stay Day Surgery (a few hours) to overnight stay
Full Recovery 4 to 8 weeks
Additional Info a recognised complication is lymphoedema (swelling) of the arm
More Information Cancer Research UK

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Specialities

General Surgery

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