Authored by: Helen Pass, MD and Leo Otake, MD

Lymphedema may develop in roughly 20% of people who have had surgery, a mastectomy or lymph node dissection follow breast cancer diagnosis. Lymphedema is often caused by the removal of or damage to lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. This causes swelling in the arms or legs because the body's lymphatic system cannot drain the excess fluid. Additional procedures such as radiation therapy or the presence of other diseases or conditions can increase the risk of lymphedema.

Stamford Health now offers surgical treatment options for lymphedema by a microvascular fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Leo Otake, MD, PhD, FACS. In certain high risk patients, lymphovenous bypass may be performed at the time of the breast cancer surgery to greatly reduce the risk of developing lymphedema. Stamford Health’s team of Breast Surgeons, are led by Director of Breast Surgery and Co-Director of the Breast Center, Helen Pass, MD. All surgeons are fellowship-trained and Board Certified.

Prevention and Treatment of Lymphedema: 

Stamford Health provides these advanced specialized breast cancer and reconstructive surgery options without the need for patients to travel to New York City or to New Haven.

To learn more about our breast surgery and lymphedema services visit the Stamford Health Breast Center or Lymphedema Surgery