If you have had axillary (armpit) lymph nodes removed during breast surgery, you may have been told that you should avoid any medical procedures involving needles on the affected arm. This traditional advice was based on the idea that using needles on this arm might increase the risk of lymphoedema. However, the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists have recently changed that recommendation, saying that clinical evidence shows that this is not the case and that the arm of the affected side can usually be safely used for medical procedures. In fact, they say, using the arm on the affected side can be better for patient safety and comfort.
You can read more about this new medical advice by clicking this link.
