Decompression of the Axillary Vein for Oedema of the Arm Caused by Axillary Dissection and Irradiation

Abstract
Twenty women with brachial oedema after treatment for breast cancer were operated on by a standard technique, with decompression of the axillary vein and division of the irradiated portion of pectoralis major. After a mean follow-up of 32.5 months a significant improvement was noted in 14 of them. In 19 the range of movement of the shoulder had improved.