Abstract
Breast cancer is a frequent pathology at present. Studies report that a high proportion of patients develop lymphedema as a result of cancer or its treatment. Lymphedema can interfere with activities of daily living causing a restriction in range of motion, pain, increased skin tension, recurrent infection, edema of the extremities and the patient’s perception of the sensation of heaviness in the extremity, affecting their quality of life. Non-surgical options have traditionally been the mainstay and remain the initial form of treatment for all stages of lymphedema. Although effective, these therapies have several drawbacks. Naturally, doctors have sought other treatment modalities to improve the quality of life of the patient and reduce the economic burden of lymphedema. Several surgical interventions have been described for the treatment of lymphedema, any surgical intervention must be based on well-defined indications.