pelvic lymph node dissection can cause lymphedema?

We wanted to know the complications of pelvic lymph node dissection.

 

My Mom was diagonised with colorectal in May'11.  The recent pet scan lit up a node along right internal illiac vessels in pelvis with suv-19.5 and interval followup had shown mild increase in size. The CEA has rose from 4.65(in Mar'13) to 8.69(now) so the doc says its mostly malignant.

 

The onc says since its only single node, surgical removal will be beneficial.

We will be talking to the surgeon tom for the possible pelvic lymph node dissection.

Wanted to know if any one have had surgery to remove the same.

What complications and risks should be expected after pelvic lymph node dissection ?

 

Do you know if this will cause lymphedema?

 

Thanks a lot for any help.

 

Bala

 

Son of mom,

May'11 - surgery to remove the tumour in rectum

Found stage 3c. ( 10/26 nodes +ve)

June - Dec' 11 folfox chemo + radiation

Dec'11 - pet ct – clear