Post Radical Mastectomy Edema of the Arm: the Role of Phlebitis

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Abstract
Post radical mastectomy edema of the arm is a serious surgical complication. One of the major causes of edema is thrombophlebitis of the venous drainage system of the arm with secondary perivascular lymphatic occlusion. Some of the possible etiological factors responsible for the production of post radical mastectomy of the arm are: extensive fibroelastic activity at the operative site; scar impingement of the axila; vasospastic phenomena; delayed wound healing and/or infection; phlebitis; positive axillary nodes; radiation; radiation dermatitis; primary skin grafting; obesity.