Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)
Removal of multiple lymph nodes from the underarm — performed when sentinel node biopsy shows significant cancer involvement, ensuring complete clearance and accurate staging.
What is Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)?
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) is the surgical removal of multiple lymph nodes from the underarm in patients with breast cancer that has clearly spread to the axilla. It is performed when sentinel lymph node biopsy shows significant disease, when underarm nodes are clinically obviously involved, or in selected locally advanced cancers. ALND ensures complete cancer clearance, accurate staging, and helps guide further therapy. Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs ALND at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, with attention to careful technique that minimises long-term complications such as arm swelling and shoulder stiffness.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Preparation
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The breast and underarm area are prepared in sterile fashion.
Underarm Incision
A curved incision is made in the underarm, hidden in the natural skin crease for the best cosmetic outcome.
Node Dissection
Lymph nodes from levels I and II of the axilla are carefully removed, with attention to preserving important nerves and blood vessels.
Drain Placement
A small soft drain is placed to remove fluid that collects after surgery. The drain is removed when the output reduces, usually within a week.
Closure & Recovery
The wound is closed in layers with absorbable sutures. Most patients are discharged in 2–3 days with structured shoulder physiotherapy.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Complete clearance of involved underarm lymph nodes
- →Accurate staging guides further cancer treatment
- →Reduces the chance of cancer returning in the underarm
- →Carefully placed incision hidden in natural skin crease
- →Structured physiotherapy preserves shoulder function
- →Compassionate, expert care by a female breast surgeon
When the underarm is clearly involved, doing a complete, careful clearance is the right operation — but the technique still matters enormously. Protecting the nerves and vessels, planning physiotherapy from day one, and following the patient closely afterwards is what keeps the arm working well.
— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
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