Microlymphatic surgery for the treatment of iatrogenic lymph

[patoco]

Microlymphatic surgery for the treatment of iatrogenic lymphedema.

Oct 2012

Becker C, Vasile JV, Levine JL, Batista BN, Studinger RM, Chen CM, Riquet M.

Source

Department of Plastic Surgery, Lymphedema Centre, 6 Square Jouvenet, Paris 75016, France.

Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition that occurs after cancer treatment. Autologous lymph node transplant, or microsurgical vascularized lymph node transfer (ALNT), is a surgical treatment option that brings vascularized vascular endothelial growth factor-C-producing tissue into the operated field to promote lymphangiogenesis and bridge the distal obstructed lymphatic system with the proximal lymphatic system. Operative techniques for upper- and lower-extremity ALNT are described with 3 donor lymph node flaps (inguinal, thoracic, cervical). Surgical technique is described for the combination of ALNT with abdominal flaps and nonabdominal flaps. Imaging showing restoration of lymphatic drainage after ALNT is shown.

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