Abstract:Objective To investigate the influence of retention of upper-limb lymph nodes on lymphedema and the quality of life in patients having lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Methods From January 2013 to December 2014, 100 patients with T1-3N0M0 breast cancer who underwent surgery in our hospital were randomly divided into observation group and control group with 50 in each group. The patients in the observation group received axillary reverse mapping with nano-carbon suspension before operation. The patients in the control group were treated with axillary lymph node dissection. The patients were followed up in the 1st, 6th and 12th months after operation. Lymphedema and the quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results The percentages of increased arm circumference in the affected arm 1, 6 and 12 months after operation were not statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of lymphedema 12 months after operation in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The score of the quality of life in the observation group decreased after operation, and it was significantly different between the two groups during follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusions Lymphadenectomy for breast cancer with upper-limb lymph node preservation can prevent lymphedema of the upper limb and improve the quality of life of the patients. It is worthy to be popularized in clinical practice.