What is axillary resection?
Lymph nodes in the armpits, or axila, can sometimes reveal the presence of disease conditions such as breast cancer. Axillary resection is a process of removing these lymph nodes to search for cancer. Between five and 30 lymphatic nodes are usually removed in this type of resection and the spread of cancer can be determined from how many nodes have been affected. Nodes
are divided into three levels, depending on their position and proximity to the breast. Axillary resection usually examines only levels of levels 1 and 2. Lymph nodes of level 1 are located next to the pectoralis major, the large muscle of the chest. Slightly higher are the lymph nodes of level 2. The presence of cancer in level 2 nodes would indicate greater spread of the disease. The purpose of axillary resection may occasionally use the spread of cancer in the treatment of breast cancer. When done, it is usually performed at the same time as mastectomy or lumectomy.
preparation for axillary resection often involves general anesthesia, without adding any chemicals that would block the transmission of nerve to muscles. These chemicals are not used because they could prevent the surgeon from identifying whether the nerves are damaged as part of the surgical process. The surgeon must also identify the positions of axillary arteries and axillary veins to prevent the cutting of these blood vessels. The placement of blood vessels can also be used to orient the surgery and to ensure that the cuts are carried out near the lymph nodes.
After axillary resection, it should be expected for some time to heal, along with a significant chance of complications. About four fifths of people who have undergone this post -arm problem within a few months after the operation. Problems often include swelling in the area, weakness of arms, rigid arms, limited range of movement and residual pain and numbness.
approximately one fifth of patients who meIf this surgery experiences significant arms pain, which persists after surgery for a long time. After one year about one quarter of the patients had swelling and about two fifths had problems moving the arm on the shoulder. The greater the scope of surgery in general, the more serious the complications tend to be.