About Axillary Clearance
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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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.
Popular choices for axillary clearance in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform axillary clearance. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
Top hospitals for Axillary Clearance in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing axillary clearance.
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.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 25 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Liv Hospital Ankara