Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Some patients require removal of most of the lymph nodes in their axilla (arm pit) as part of their breast cancer treatment. This may be if your cancer has spread to the lymph nodes at the time of your diagnosis, or if your sentinel node biopsy shows cancer cells.

An axillary lymph node dissection, or axillary clearance, involves removal of most of the lymph nodes in the axilla. The number of lymph nodes in the axilla is variable, between 10-40. This procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes around an hour. You will have a drain placed at the time of surgery that will remain for up to two weeks.

You will be seen by a physiotherapist after your surgery to help you with shoulder and arm exercises. This is an extremely important part of your recovery which you will continue when you go home. You will usually stay in hospital for 1-2 nights after this procedure.

Dr Forsyth will discuss the procedure, including the risks, with you in detail during your consultation.