What is Surgical Treatment of Lymphedema?

Surgical treatment of lymphedema aims to treat the accumulation of lymph fluid in the body. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs especially after cancer treatments when lymph nodes or channels are damaged. Surgical treatment aims to reduce lymph fluid accumulation, repair lymph vessels, and improve both the appearance and function of the affected area.

Surgical Treatment Methods for Lymphedema

Liposuction: This method involves removing excess fat tissue that has accumulated in the area affected by lymphedema. Liposuction is particularly used in advanced-stage lymphedema and in cases that don't respond to conservative treatments.

Lymphatico-Venous Anastomosis (LVA): This microsurgical technique aims to improve lymph fluid drainage by connecting lymph channels to nearby veins. This method is effective in early stages of lymphedema.

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: This procedure involves transplanting lymph nodes along with their blood vessels from another part of the body to the lymphedematous area. These new lymph nodes integrate into the region to provide lymph fluid drainage.

Skin and Soft Tissue Excision: In advanced lymphedema, removal of subcutaneous tissue and excess skin may be necessary. This helps reduce excessive tissue growth and infection risk.

The surgical treatment of lymphedema varies depending on factors such as the patient's general health condition, severity of lymphedema, and response to previous treatment methods. Before deciding on surgical treatment, it's important for the patient to undergo a comprehensive evaluation.

The success of surgical treatment depends on the patient's unique condition and post-treatment rehabilitation and care. Proper patient selection and postoperative care are critical for treatment effectiveness.

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