Vascularized lymph node transfer and lymphovenous bypass: Novel treatment strategies for symptomatic lymphedema

Abstract

Lymphedema is a debilitating disease that is commonly caused by cancer and it is treatments in the developed world. Surgery is an option for refractory disease. Lymphovenous bypass and vascularized lymph node transfer are newer modalities that show great promise. Further work is necessary to determine proper patient selection and ensure minimum donor site morbidity. Liposuction and direct excision still have a role, especially in advanced cases. Further investigations into prevention of iatrogenic lymphedema are underway. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:932-939. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: lymphedema; lymphovenous bypass; vascularized lymph node transfer.