Lymphadenectomy…
What is it and what happens afterwards?
LYMPHADENECTOMY
Lymphadenectomy or lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure in which lymph glands are removed from the body and examined for the presence of cancerous cells. A limited or modified lymphadenectomy removes only some of the lymph nodes in the area around a tumor; a total or radical lymphadenectomy removes all the lymph nodes in the area.
The lymphatic system is responsible for returning excess fluid from body tissues to the circulatory system and for defending against foreign or harmful agents such as bacteria, viruses, or cancerous cells. The major
components of the lymphatic system
are lymph capillaries, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes. Lymph is a clear fluid found in tissues that originates from the circulatory system. Lymph capillaries are tiny vessels that carry excess lymph to larger lymph vessels: these in turn empty to the circulatory system. Lymph nodes are small, oval or bean shaped masses found throughout the lymphatic system that act as filters against foreign materials. They tend to group in clusters in such areas as the neck (cervical lymph nodes), under the arm (axillary
lymph nodes), the pelvis (iliac lymph nodes), and the groin
(inguinal lymph nodes).
The lymphatic system plays an important role in the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body. Cancer cells can break away from their primary site of growth and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other sites in the body. They may then begin growing at these distant sites or in the lymph nodes themselves; this process is called metastasis. Removing the lymph nodes then is a way that doctors can determine if a cancer has begun to metastasize. Lymphadenectomy may also be pursued as a cancer treatment to help prevent further spread of abnormal cells.
SURGERY
Although the specific surgical procedures may differ
according to which lymph nodes are to be removed, some
steps are common among all lymphadenectomies. General
anesthesia is usually administered for the duration of
surgery; this ensures that the patient remain
unconscious and relaxed, and awaken with no memory of
the procedure.
First, an incision is made into the skin and through
the subcutaneous layers in the area where the lymph
nodes are to be removed. The lymph nodes are identified
and isolated. They are then carefully taken out from
surrounding tissues (that is, muscles, blood vessels,
and nerves). In a node dissection, the pad of fat under
the skin of the area is removed; generally, many lymph
nodes are embedded in the fat and separately removed.
The incision is sutured (stitched) closed with a drain
left in place to remove excess fluid from the surgical
site.
Alternatively, laparoscopy may be used as a less
invasive method of removing lymph nodes. The
laparoscope is a thin, lighted tube that is inserted
into the abdominal cavity through a small incision.
Images taken by the laparoscope may be seen on a video
monitor connected to the scope. Certain lymph nodes,
such as the pelvic and aortic lymph nodes, may be
removed using this technology.
Lymph nodes may become swollen or enlarged as result of
invasion by cancer cells. Swollen lymph nodes may be
palpated (felt) during a physical exam. Before lymph
nodes are removed, a small amount of tissue is usually
removed. A biopsy will be performed on it to check for
the presence of abnormal cells.
The patient will be asked to stop taking aspirin or
aspirin-containing drugs for a period of time prior to
surgery, as these can interfere with the blood’s
ability to clot. Such drugs may include prescription
blood thinners (for example, Coumadin—generically known
as warfarin and heparin). However, patients should
discuss their medications with regard to their upcoming
surgery with their doctors, and not make any
adjustments or prescription changes on their own. No
food or drink after midnight the night before surgery
will be allowed.
