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Gregory M. Senofsky, MD; Frederick L. Moffat, Jr, MD, FRCSC; Kevin Davis; Mohammed M. Masri, MD; Kimberley C. Clark, MD; David S. Robinson, MD; Braulio Sabates; Alfred S. Ketcham, MD

Arch Surg. 1991;126(11):1336-1342.

Abstract
• The optimal extent of axillary dissection in patients with breast cancer remains unclear. We report 278 total axillary lymphadenectomies (levels I, II, and III and Rotter's [inter-pectoral] nodes) that were performed in 264 closely followed up private patients. There have been no axillary recurrences to date (mean follow-up, 50 months). If only level I and II nodes had been removed, the false-negative staging error would have been only 2.6%. However, 29 (31.5%) of 92 pathological node-positive axillae contained apical and/or Rotter's metastases. The incidence of complications was comparable with that reported for partial lymphadenectomy. Arm lymphedema developed in 6% of nonirradiated patients; postoperative radiotherapy and gross nodal disease were significant risk factors for lymphedema. Total axillary lymphadenectomy largely prevents axillary recurrence, eliminates the small staging error inherent in partial lymphadenectomy, and has acceptable morbidity, provided radiotherapy to the regional nodal areas is avoided.

(Arch Surg. 1991;126:1336-1342)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Surgery, Division of Oncology (Drs Senofsky, Moffat, Masri, Clark, Robinson, and Ketcham and Mr Sabates) and the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (Mr Davis), Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Miami (Fla) School of Medicine.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication July 20, 1991.

Presented at the 44th Annual Cancer Symposium of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Orlando, Fla, March 25, 1991.

Reprint requests to Department of Surgery (310T), Division of Oncology, PO Box 016310, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101 (Dr Moffat).

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