Learn about Axillary Clearance Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Axillary Clearance and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Axillary Clearance

Axillary clearance, also known as axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), is a surgical procedure performed by general surgeons to remove lymph nodes from the armpit (axilla). It is most commonly performed as part of the treatment for breast cancer to determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast and to help stage the disease. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the armpit and carefully removes a group of level I and II lymph nodes for pathological examination. This information is crucial for guiding further treatment decisions, such as the need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy. While sentinel lymph node biopsy is now often used first for staging, axillary clearance remains a vital procedure for patients with confirmed lymph node involvement.

Key Highlights

    Provides accurate staging of breast cancer by examining lymph nodes for spread.Helps guide critical post-operative treatment decisions like chemotherapy.Can be therapeutic by removing cancerous lymph nodes.Reduces the risk of local cancer recurrence in the armpit area.Performed by experienced general or oncologic surgeons.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Confirmed metastasis to axillary lymph nodes detected via biopsy or imaging.
  • Positive sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients.
  • Locally advanced breast cancer at initial diagnosis.
  • Inflammatory breast cancer.
  • Recurrent breast cancer in the axillary region.
  • Certain other cancers (e.g., melanoma) with axillary spread.

How to prepare

  • Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging.
  • Discussion of anesthesia options (typically general anesthesia).
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery as instructed.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications like blood thinners as advised by the surgeon.
  • Informed consent process detailing the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  • Showering with an antiseptic soap the night before or morning of surgery.

Risks & possible complications

  • Lymphedema (chronic swelling of the arm) is the most significant long-term risk.
  • Infection at the surgical site.
  • Seroma formation (fluid collection under the skin).
  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the upper arm, armpit, or shoulder.
  • Limited shoulder range of motion or stiffness.
  • Nerve injury leading to weakness or sensory changes.
  • Rare risks include hematoma (blood collection) and blood clots.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay typically lasts 1-2 days for monitoring and pain management.
  • A drain tube is often placed to remove fluid and is removed after a few days.
  • Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
  • Gentle arm exercises are started soon after surgery to maintain mobility.
  • Stitches or staples are removed in 10-14 days.
  • Avoidance of heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and blood pressure checks or injections on the affected arm for a specified period.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, review pathology results, and discuss further treatment.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering axillary clearance in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for axillary clearance compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 870 – USD 2,175 1-2 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 6,442 – USD 16,105 1-2 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Axillary Clearance in Turkey

These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing axillary clearance.

Liv Hospital Ankara

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon140 Doctors

Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir

  • IconIstanbul, Turkey
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.

General surgeons for Axillary Clearance

Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform axillary clearance and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Halil Alış
  • 25 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ali Kağan Gökakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ali Kağan Gökakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ali Kağan Gökakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ali Kağan Gökakın
  • 24 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kürşat Karadayı
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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