Reconstruction of massive localised lymphoedema of the scrotum with a novel fasciocutaneous flap: A rare case presentation and a review of the literature

Treatment of Advanced Male Genital Lymphedema With a Complete Functional Lymphatic System Pedicled Transfer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the functional efficacy of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) -lymphatic pedicled flap in the treatment of advanced male genital lymphedema.

METHODS

From February 2018 to January 2022, we treated 26 male patients with scrotal and penoscrotal advanced lymphedema using reconstructive lymphatic surgery. Isolated scrotal involvement was seen in 15 patients, and 11 patients had penoscrotal involvement. Excision of genital lymphedematous fibrotic tissue was followed by reconstruction utilizing the SCIP-lymphatic flap. Patient characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative results were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 39 ± 4.6, and the mean follow-up time was 44.9 months. the SCIP-lymphatic flap was used to reconstruct partial (n = 11) or total (n = 15) scrotum and used to reconstruct total penile skin in 9 cases and partial in 2 cases. The flap survival rate was 100%. Cellulitis rates were dramatically reduced after reconstruction (P value <.001). The mean genital lymphedema score (GLS) after surgery was 0.05, which was significantly lower than the preoperative 1, 6.2 (P < .001). The median Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) total score was +41, all 26 patients (100%) showed a degree of quality of life improvement.

CONCLUSION

The pedicled SCIP lymphatic transfer approach in advanced male genital lymphedema can provide a durable complete functional lymphatic system that improves the appearance and genital lymphatic drainage. This leads to an improvement in quality of life as well as in sexual functions.

Radical reduction and reconstruction for male genital elephantiasis: Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) lymphatic flap transfer after elephantiasis tissue resection

BACKGROUND

Treatment of elephantiasis, the most severe lymphedema, is challenging. Management of male genital elephantiasis (MGE) is even more challenging than extremity elephantiasis due to its complicated shape and high risk of lymphorrhea and cellulitis. Complete resection of fibrous tissue and lymphatic reconstruction is considered to be ideal for the treatment of MGE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of radical reduction and reconstruction (3R) for isolated MGE.

METHODS

Medical charts of patients who underwent 3R were reviewed. The 3R operation consisted of genital fibrous tissue resection and reconstruction of soft tissue and lymphatic structure using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) lymphatic flap transfer (LFT). No compression was applied postoperatively. Patient and flap characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative results were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included. MGE included isolated scrotal elephantiasis in 4 cases, and scrotal and penile elephantiasis in 3 cases. Resected tissue volume ranged from 609 to 2304 grams (average, 1511.0 grams). SCIP-LFT was performed in all cases; pedicled full-thickness SCIP-LFT for scrotal reconstruction in all cases, and SCIP pure-skin-perforator flap transfer for penile reconstruction in 3 cases. There was no postoperative genital complication or evidence of genital lymphedema recurrence in the mean follow-up period of 22.7 months. Genital lymphedema scores significantly improved postoperatively (6.7 ± 1.8 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

3R operation allowed one-stage curative treatment for MGE. LFT has the potential to play an essential role in the prevention of postoperative wound complications and lymphedema recurrence after radical resection of fibrotic tissue.

Use of submental and submandibular free vascularized lymph node transfer for treatment of scrotal lymphedema: Report of two cases

Genital lymphedema is a rare condition in males that can lead to difficulty in voiding, sexual function, hygiene, and mobility. Only several methods of treatment have been developed and studied, primarily focusing on restoring patency of diseased lymph channels or resection of affected tissue. We are the first to describe the surgical technique and our experience of using free submental and submandibular arterio-venous vascularized lymph node transfer specifically for the treatment of scrotal edema. We report on two patients who have undergone selective neck dissection of submental and submandibular lymph nodes based off the facial artery and vein. These vascularized lymph nodes were then transferred to the groin, with anastomosis to the deep inferior epigastric perforator artery and vein. The first patient, a 63 year old had initial pretreatment measurement of the anal verge to base of penis was 18 cm in length, and maximum circumference of scrotum 27 cm for the first patient, and 31-42 cm, respectively, for the second patient, a 66 year old. At 9-month review for the first patient and 6-month review for the second patient, both donor and recipient site wounds had healed. The anal verge to base of penis length had decreased to 16 cm, while maximum circumference of scrotum had decreased to 23 cm, and 25-38 cm, respectively, for the second patient. We have had good success with reducing the burden on patients using this novel technique, and hence it should be considered as a viable treatment methodology in appropriately selected patients.

Treatment of secondary scrotal and lower extremity lymphedema using combined pedicled lymph node transfer and lymphaticovenous anastomosis: A case report

Combined secondary scrotal and lower extremity lymphedema is an infrequent complication of radical excision of urogenital cancers associated with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Scrotal lymphedema is usually psychologically distressing, and difficult to treat. We report a case of a 41-years old male who presented with scrotal and left lower extremity lymphedema after radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy successfully treated with pedicled superficial inguinal lymph node (SILN) transfer and lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) restoring the lymphatic drainage. The flap consisted of subscarpal adipofascial tissue between the level of the inguinal ligament and the groin crease measuring 11 × 7 cm. The flap composed of afferent lymphatics from the lower abdomen, lymph nodes, and fatty tissue without skin, the right-sided flap was transposed to the root of scrotum while the left one to the proximal left thigh, then two-level LVA were performed in the left extremity. The surgery went uneventful with no postoperative complications. At a 9 month follow-up, there was a significant reduction of the scrotal volume with a reduction of excess volume of the lower extremity from 49.6 to 9.4% compared with the healthy side. No cellulitis was reported during the follow-up period with improvement in the patient's clinical symptoms and quality of life. We believe that pedicled superficial inguinal lymph node flap together with LVA is a reliable and safe treatment option for either scrotal or lower extremity lymphedema following pelvic cancer treatment.

A novel 'Batman' scrotectomy technique for the management of scrotal lymphoedema following treatment for penile cancer

Background

To describe a novel 'Batman' scrotectomy technique and present our single centre experience in the management of secondary scrotal lymphoedema in penile cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of penile cancer patients with extensive and bothersome penoscrotal lymphoedema failing conservative therapy between 2013 and 2018. We analysed patients' demographics, pre-operative disease stage, post-operative outcomes and complications.

Results

Seven patients with a history of penile cancer and problematic scrotal lymphoedema were managed using a novel 'Batman' scrotectomy technique. The mean age was 56.4 (range, 28-71) years. The mean inpatient stay was 4.1 (range, 2-7) days. Two patients (28.6%) were found to have incidental metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the scrotal skin on histological analysis. One patient developed superficial wound dehiscence (Clavien-Dindo grade II) and two patients had mild post-operative residual penile lymphoedema. Following a mean follow-up period of 19 months, 2 patients died due to metastatic penile cancer. One patient developed skin metastases in his thigh and perineum. All of the patients reported a good cosmetic and functional outcome on post-operative review.

Conclusions

Genital lymphoedema is an uncommon side-effect of penile cancer treatment. In severe cases where patients fail conservative treatments, surgical intervention using this technique is effective and feasible.

Surgical treatment of a penoscrotal massive localized lymphedema: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Massive localized lymphedema is an aggressive type of lymphedema that causes great functional impairment for the patient, depriving from one's basic life activities. The treatment of this type of lesion is eminently surgical, requiring ablative surgery (complete surgical resection of the lesion), but the possible techniques not always provide a good functional result.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We reported a case of a penoscrotal massive lymphedema treated by our Body Contour Group/Plastic surgery department of our institute. We performed the resection of the giant penoscrotal lesion, used a posterior scrotal flap for defect's reconstruction and a split-thickness skin graft for penis' body reconstruction, closed with Z-plasty.

DISCUSSION

Contrary to what the literature says, we prefer to use the split-thickness skin graft to reconstruct the penis' body in these cases, against local flaps. According to our experience with some similar cases, this technique provides a better functional result once it allows the penis to a better expansion during erection. The key maneuver to avoid contracture of the graft and retraction of the penis is to perform a broken line suture (Z-plasty) in the topography of the median raphe.

CONCLUSION

In cases of penoscrotal massive lymphedema, the treatment's option with better results is the surgical one. The use of a scrotal flap associated with split-thickness skin graft for penis provides good aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Penoscrotal edema: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Penoscrotal edema is typically caused by lymphatic obstruction, which can have both primary and secondary causes. Studies describing congenital penoscrotal edema are rare. Surgery can be divided into two types: The first approach involves extensive removal of diseased tissue and tissue reconstruction. The second approach is removal of the lesions and creating additional lymphatic vascular anastomoses.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case report of a 15-year-old patient with recurrent penoscrotal edema and swelling of both lower extremities. The literature were also reviewed to provide additional information. Physical examination revealed slow lymphatic reflux of the lower extremities and no obvious abnormalities in testicular morphology, bilaterally, or blood supply. Surgery was performed by excising the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue and the flaps was cut in the middle in Y shape to cover the penis and scrotum. Postoperative follow-up revealed wound integrity and patient satisfaction with the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Excision and reconstructive surgery are the primary treatments for penoscrotal edema. The majority of reported patients undergoing excision and reconstruction achieved satisfactory reshaping and improved their life quality.

Giant Penile Lymphedema Caused by Chronic Penile Strangulation with Rubber Band: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We treated a 65-year-old Japanese man with a giant penile lymphedema due to chronic penile strangulation with a rubber band. He was referred to our hospital with progressive penile swelling that had developed over a period of 2 years from chronic use of a rubber band placed around the penile base for prevention of urinary incontinence. Under a diagnosis of giant penile lymphedema, we performed resection of abnormal penile skin weighing 4.8 kg, followed by a penile plasty procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the seventh report of such a case worldwide, with the present giant penile lymphedema the most reported.

Lymphatic Reconstitution and Regeneration After Face Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether lymphatic reconstitution and regeneration occurs after clinical facial transplantation using indocyanine green lymphography and immunohistochemical markers.

METHODS

Allograft skin biopsies at multiple posttransplant time points were stained with Lyve1 lymphatic antibody and other endothelial antibodies. Staining intensity was interpreted on a scale of none, mild, moderate, and strong by 2 investigators and consolidated by a third party for final interpretation. Standardized real-time lymphography was performed at various posttransplant time points to evaluate lymphatic reconstitution and regeneration.

RESULTS

Forty-two biopsies were evaluated at 15 different time points from posttransplant days 7 to 420. Strong Lyve1 staining was observed in 52.4%, moderate staining in 14.3%, and weak staining in 33.3% of biopsies. Strong staining was present on days 7, 10, 44, 79, 269, 402, and 420. Three lymphographic studies were conducted at 8.5, 30, and 35 months posttransplant. Initial drainage via distinct lymphatic channels with abrupt dermal splash and lymphostasis was observed at 8.5-month posttransplant. At 30- and 35-month posttransplant, communication of multiple lymphatic channels between donor tissue and recipient tissue was evident with distinct drainage into native recipient cervical lymph nodes. This correlated with ongoing clinical resolution of facial edema and was unaffected by 3 episodes of acute rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support ongoing lymphatic reconstitution between the donor facial allograft and recipient native tissue. Donor lymphatic regeneration begins after facial transplantation and continues long term. This mechanism may be responsible for the temporal and spatial process of lymphatic reconstitution with recipient lymphatic channels.

Reconstruction of Massive Localized Lymphedema of the Scrotum: Results, Complications, and Quality of Life Improvements

OBJECTIVE

To review the surgical technique, outcomes, and complications of surgical excision of massive localized lymphedema (MLL) of the scrotum, and to determine changes in weight and quality of life (QOL) after excision.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for all patients who have undergone excision of MLL of the scrotum at our institution between 2008 and 2014. Standard baseline characteristics, complications, pre- and postoperative weight, and QOL data were recorded.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 26 months after surgery. The mean preoperative body mass index was 60, and the mean weight of resected tissue was 21 kg. No patient required an orchiectomy for completion of the resection. Skin grafting was performed in 1 patient, and the rest were closed primarily. Wound complications were common but generally managed successfully with local wound care. At the time of most recent follow-up, most patients had actually gained weight since surgery (mean weight change of +5.2 kg). However, QOL scores improved across all domains, and overall QOL improved from a mean of 1.3 preoperatively to 7.7 postoperatively (where 1 is poor, and 10 is excellent).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of MLL of the scrotum can be performed successfully for masses even up to 61 kg (134 lbs). Short-term wound complications are common, but subjective QOL scores improve dramatically. Despite expectations, most patients gained weight after mass removal, which indicates that they would benefit from a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes, but is not limited to, scrotal surgery.

Pseudosarcoma of the thigh: a rare case of massive localized lymphedema

Massive localized lymphedema, also called pseudosarcoma, is a rare condition associated with morbid obesity. Accurate identification of this entity helps the physician make the distinction between this condition and other soft tissue tumors, especially with the increasing rate of obesity worldwide. Obesity and increased caloric intake lead to storage of the excess energy in the form of adipose tissue. The excess adipose tissue disturbs the lymphatic vessels, leading to massive edema localized mostly in the lower extremity, reaching a substantial size and weight that interferes with the quality of life of the individual in question. The mass can cause cosmetic but more importantly functional and structural defects, leading to altered biomechanics with increased risk of deep vein thromboembolism. Below is a presentation of a patient presenting with complaint of a massive medial thigh mass. After much investigation, consultation, and use of diagnostic radiologic modalities it was diagnosed as what is referred to in the literature as massive localized lymphedema, or pseudosarcoma. This mass was managed by surgical excision and the diagnosis was further confirmed by pathologic analysis. After the excision, our patient regained his ability to ambulate on his own, with the help of a rehabilitation program and physical therapy. Massive localized lymphedema needs to be on the differential diagnosis of any morbidly obese patient presenting with mass, especially in the lower extremities. Adequate knowledge about this condition enables the physician to make the distinction between pseudosarcoma and true soft tissue sarcomas.

Giant lymphedema of the penis and scrotum: a case report

Lymphedema of the penis and scrotum is a rare entity characterized by enlargement of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the genital region due to lymphatic drainage impairment. This clinical condition is more frequent in tropical countries due to a higher incidence of filariasis, which, in turn, is the main etiology. We describe the case of a 33-year-old man with large lymphedema of the scrotum and penis due to an acute and chronic inflammatory process, foreign body granuloma, and marked hyalinization. Four consecutive surgical interventions were necessary to remove the great part of the affected tissue, which enabled satisfactory results and improved the patient's quality of life.

Massive localized lymphedema: a clinicopathologic study of 46 patients with an enrichment for multiplicity

Massive localized lymphedema is a monstrous tumefactive pseudosarcoma seen in middle-aged morbidly obese adults. Since its initial description in 1998, the etiology remains unknown, although associations with trauma, surgeries, and hypothyroidism have been reported. Herein, we report the largest study of massive localized lymphedema and expand upon its clinicopathologic features. Fifty-four cases from 46 patients were retrospectively identified from the institutional archives of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center between 2002 and 2015. Forty-six patients (21 males and 25 females, mean age 50 years) presented with large masses developing over a 5-60-month period. The majority of patients were Caucasian (n=39). All patients were obese with a mean weight of 384.7 lb and a mean body mass index of 59.6 kg/m(2). Thirty-six patients had a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2 was present in 22 patients. Eight patients had multifocal massive localized lymphedema. The sites included thigh (n=33), abdomen (n=17), suprapubic region (n=1), mons pubis (n=6), scrotum (n=2), perianal region (n=1), and right flank (n=1). Mostly, the clinical impression was benign processes, including pannus or lymphedema pseudotumor. Grossly, the mean weight was 8237 g and the mean size was 53.2 cm. Histologically, eight cases showed a unique pattern of dystrophic calcifications mimicking hyperchromatic, atypical nuclei that might lead to misdiagnosis of liposarcoma, four cases showed focal metaplastic ossification, and three cases showed multinucleated cells in addition to prototypic features of massive localized lymphedema. We report that this is the largest series of massive localized lymphedema. This is a lesion mostly seen in morbidly obese patients and the thigh is the most common site of involvement. We note a marked racial predilection for Caucasians and a tendency towards multiplicity. We suggest that obesity itself and the related metabolic syndrome have an important role in its pathogenesis.

Innovative microsurgical treatment of male external genitals lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema of male external genital organs, characterized by increase in genital organs volume, tissue fibrosis, erysipelas, and objective difficulties in the normal use of lower limbs and the penis, is a very common and impairing consequence of invasive surgery, radical lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy of the pelvic-inguinal area. Standard surgical approach to lymphedema are either very invasive and/or at high risk of lymphedema recurrence and do not guarantee an efficient long-term treatment. Alternatively, we developed a microsurgical technique to perform direct anastomoses between the lymphatic collectors of the spermatic funiculum afferent to the external iliac chains and the vessels tributary to the spermatic vein. This innovative approach, although surgically demanding, provided a long term successful treatment of external genitals with no clinical complications, low invasivity, rapid post-surgical recovery, minor tissue demolition and satisfactory post-surgical functional and esthetic results. In addition, lympho-venous microsurgery seems to trigger the local development of new lymphatic vessels that not only canalize along new collecting channels, but also form complex meshes in proximity to the anastomosis area, thus improving lymphedema also in adjacent tissues like lower limbs, supplied by lymphatics emptying into common developed lymphatic shunt.

[Massive localized lymphoedema (MLL) in the mons pubis]

Massive localized lymphoedema (MLL) is a relatively frequent complication in obesity. MLL is present as a giant swelling and associated with characteristic skin changes. Due to the pathologic and morphologic similarity to sarcoma, MLL is also called "pseudosarcoma". MLL can degenerate into angiosarcoma without surgery. We present a case of MLL of the mons pubis in a 54-year-old man with a BMI of 48.6.