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Review
. 2020 Apr;9(2):503-511.
doi: 10.21037/gs.2020.03.14.

Surgical management of lymphedema: a review of current literature

Kitae E Park  1 , Omar Allam  1 , Ludmila Chandler  1 , Mohammad Ali Mozzafari  1 , Catherine Ly  1 , Xiaona Lu  1 , John A Persing  1
Affiliations
Review

Surgical management of lymphedema: a review of current literature

Kitae E Park et al. Gland Surg. 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Lymphedema may be characterized by a progressive clinical course and limitations in improvement despite multi-modality treatment. In westernized countries, it most commonly presents as an undesirable complication of cancer treatment, particularly breast cancer. In the past several decades, surgical treatments for lymphedema have advanced, alongside developments in microsurgery. Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymph node transplantation are physiological therapies that may reduce lymphedema through addressing its route cause. Ablative techniques such as liposuction and subcutaneous excision aid in resolving the accumulation of proteinaceous adipose and fibrotic tissue seen in advanced lymphedema. The goal of this review is to examine the outcomes and limitations of current surgical techniques used in lymphedema management.

Keywords: Lymphedema; liposuction; lymph node transfer; lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA).

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/gs.2020.03.14). The series “Lymphedema” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. XL serves as the unpaid editorial board member of Gland Surgery from Aug 2019 to Jul 2021 and served as the unpaid Guest Editor of the series. The other authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

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