The aim of this study is to test whether lymphatic surgery provides better QoL (assessed with the Lymph-ICF-UL, (Lymphedema Functioning Disability and health questionnaire for upper limb lymphedema)) 15 months after randomization (and therefore about one year after surgery) compared to conservative treatment only for patients with chronic lymphedema (LE)
Written informed consent.
Patients ≥ 18 years of age.
Former diagnosis of breast cancer.
Clinical diagnosis of chronic Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) (persisting for more than 3 months) classified as ≥ Stage 1, according to ISL.
No indication for lymphatic surgery according to clinical judgment of the treating surgeon (individual reasons will be specifically documented).
Primary congenital Lymphedema or non-BCRL.
Previous surgical BCRL treatment on the side intended for intervention.
University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Lead sponsor
Swiss National Science Foundation
Collaborator
Rising Tide Foundation
Collaborator
Krebsforschung Schweiz, Bern, Switzerland
Collaborator