Granzow, J.W., Soderberg, J.M., Kaji, A.H., & Dauphine, C. (2014). An effective system of surgical treatment of lymphedema. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 21, 1189–1194.
To review the effectiveness and safety outcomes of patients selected to receive surgical procedure for lymphedema (LE) after a program of complete decongestive therapy (CDT)
LE therapy consisted of manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging and garments, and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), which was used for upper extremity LE by removing lymph nodes from the groin and transferring them to the affected axilla or along with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) was preferred for lower extremity LE, which was completed by connecting lymphatics to nearby microscopic veins. Both VLNT and LVA are for LE with primarily fluid component. Suction-assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL) is used to treat the solid type of LE and requires continued compression after procedure.
Retrospective chart review
The retrospective chart review of 26 selected patients from one surgeon identifying phases of LE, earlier with fluid component swelling, using VLNT, LVA, or SAPL showed positive results in regard to volume reduction, decreased infection episodes, and decreased garment/CDT requirements.