Can axillary reverse mapping avoid lymphedema in node positive breast cancer patients?

Background: Tracing lymphatic drainage of the ipsilateral arm of node positive breast cancer patients, termed "axillary reverse mapping" (ARM), has recently been described in several reports. We analyzed our experience with this new technique in patients scheduled for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and evaluated its usefulness for reducing the incidence of lymphedema.

Methods: Blue dye was injected subcutaneously along the intermuscular groove of the upper inner arm; radioisotope was injected subcutaneously in the interdigital webspace of the hand.