Surgery versus physical therapy for breast cancer arm swelling

This trial is testing whether microsurgical techniques — procedures that create new pathways for fluid drainage or transplant healthy lymph nodes — work better than standard physical therapy (manual massage, compression garments, and exercises) for treating chronic arm swelling caused by breast cancer treatment. The surgery aims to actually fix the underlying problem, while physical therapy focuses mainly on managing symptoms.

Standard physical therapy doesn't always stop arm swelling from getting worse, and many patients suffer for years despite treatment. This trial exists to provide solid scientific proof that surgery offers better, longer-lasting relief — and to help insurance companies approve surgery as a covered treatment option.