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Kumegawa S, Sakata Y, Fujimoto K, Takagaki Y, Yamada G, Asamura S. Effectiveness of lymphaticovenular anastomosis for adult-onset primary lower limb lymphedema: A retrospective study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2024; 91:191-199. [PMID: 38422920 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical treatments such as lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) are widely used in addition to conservative treatment of secondary lymphedema. However, their indications and effectiveness for primary lymphedema are unclear. This study aims to objectively demonstrate the effectiveness of LVA for adult-onset primary lymphedema from various perspectives. METHODS We retrospectively examined patients with primary lower limb lymphedema who underwent LVA between January 2018 and December 2021 and were 21 or older. Treatment effects were evaluated using lymphoscintigraphy, questionnaires, body mass index, extracellular fluid ratio, and lymphedema index preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The LVA was performed under general anesthesia. RESULTS We evaluated 11 patients (11 lower limbs). Out of seven patients with complete obstruction preoperatively, all presented partial obstruction according to the Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging classification with a significant decrease in the score. Significant improvements were observed in clinical symptoms ("hardness") and in quality of life ("appearance" and "ease of wearing compression garments") assessments. A significant change was observed in the extracellular water ratio but not in lower extremity lymphedema index (LELindex). CONCLUSION LVA was suggested as one of the potential treatment options for patients with adult-onset primary lymphedema in whom lymphatic flow was confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy. In addition to clinical symptoms and physical examination, the evaluation of adult-onset primary lymphedema should include the patient's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Kumegawa
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Sakata
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kota Fujimoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | | | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Asamura
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Carroll BJ, Singhal D. Advances in lymphedema: An under-recognized disease with a hopeful future for patients. Vasc Med 2024; 29:70-84. [PMID: 38166534 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x231215329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Lymphedema has traditionally been underappreciated by the healthcare community. Understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and treatments beyond compression have been limited until recently. Increased investigation has demonstrated the key role of inflammation and resultant fibrosis and adipose deposition leading to the clinical sequelae and associated reduction in quality of life with lymphedema. New imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), indocyanine green lymphography, and high-frequency ultrasound offer improved resolution and understanding of lymphatic anatomy and flow. Nonsurgical therapy with compression, exercise, and weight loss remains the mainstay of therapy, but growing surgical options show promise. Physiologic procedures (lymphovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node transfers) improve lymphatic flow in the diseased limb and may reduce edema and the burden of compression. Debulking, primarily with liposuction to remove the adipose deposition that has accumulated, results in a dramatic decrease in limb girth in appropriately selected patients. Though early, there are also exciting developments of potential therapeutic targets tackling the underlying drivers of the disease. Multidisciplinary teams have developed to offer the full breadth of evaluation and current management, but the development of a greater understanding and availability of therapies is needed to ensure patients with lymphedema have greater opportunity for optimal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Carroll
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dhruv Singhal
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Senger JLB, Kadle RL, Skoracki RJ. Current Concepts in the Management of Primary Lymphedema. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050894. [PMID: 37241126 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Primary lymphedema is a heterogeneous group of conditions encompassing all lymphatic anomalies that result in lymphatic swelling. Primary lymphedema can be difficult to diagnose, and diagnosis is often delayed. As opposed to secondary lymphedema, primary lymphedema has an unpredictable disease course, often progressing more slowly. Primary lymphedema can be associated with various genetic syndromes or can be idiopathic. Diagnosis is often clinical, although imaging can be a helpful adjunct. The literature on treating primary lymphedema is limited, and treatment algorithms are largely based on practice patterns for secondary lymphedema. The mainstay of treatment focuses on complete decongestive therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy. For those who fail conservative treatment, surgical treatment can be an option. Microsurgical techniques have shown promise in primary lymphedema, with both lymphovenous bypass and vascularized lymph node transfers demonstrating improved clinical outcomes in a few studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna-Lynn B Senger
- Wexner Medical Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Rohini L Kadle
- Wexner Medical Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Roman J Skoracki
- Wexner Medical Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Meuli JN, Guiotto M, Elmers J, Mazzolai L, di Summa PG. Outcomes after microsurgical treatment of lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1360-1372. [PMID: 37057889 PMCID: PMC10389392 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgical treatment options for lymphedema consist mainly of lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs). There are no standard measurements of the effectiveness of these interventions and reported outcomes vary among studies. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on a structured search in Embase, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane, and ProQuest in October 2020, with an update in February 2022. Firstly, a qualitative summary of the main reported outcomes was performed, followed by a pooled meta-analysis of the three most frequently reported outcomes using a random effects model. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, retrospective cohorts, and cross-sectional and case-control studies that documented outcomes following microsurgery in adult patients were included. Studies of other surgical treatments (liposuction, radical excision, lymphatic vessel transplantation) or without reported outcomes were excluded. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (ID: CRD42020202417). No external funding was received for this review. RESULTS One hundred fifty studies, including 6496 patients, were included in the systematic review. The qualitative analysis highlighted the three most frequently reported outcomes: change in circumference, change in volume, and change in the number of infectious episodes per year. The overall pooled change in excess circumference across 29 studies, including 1002 patients, was -35.6% [95% CI: -30.8 to -40.3]. The overall pooled change in excess volume across 12 studies including 587 patients was -32.7% [95% CI: -19.8 to -45.6], and the overall pooled change in the number of cutaneous infections episodes per year across 8 studies including 248 patients was -1.9 [95% CI: -1.4 to -2.3]. The vast majority of the studies included were case series and cohorts, which were intrinsically exposed to a risk of selection bias. CONCLUSION The currently available evidence supports LVA and vascularized lymph node transfers as effective treatments to reduce the severity of secondary lymphedema. Standardization of staging method, outcomes measurements, and reporting is paramount in future research in order to allow comparability across studies and pooling of results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucia Mazzolai
- Angiology Division, Heart and Vessel Department, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Verhey EM, Kandi LA, Lee YS, Morris BE, Casey WJ, Rebecca AM, Marks LA, Howard MA, Teven CM. Outcomes of Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2022; 10:e4529. [PMID: 36225843 PMCID: PMC9542573 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is a microsurgical treatment for lymphedema of the lower extremity (LEL). This study systematically reviews the most recent data on outcomes of various LVA techniques for LEL in diverse patients. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus databases to extract articles published through June 2021. Studies reporting data on objective postoperative improvement in lymphedema and/or subjective improvement in quality of life for patients with LEL were included. Extracted data comprised demographics, number of patients and lower limbs, duration of symptoms before LVA, surgical technique, duration of follow-up, and objective and subjective outcomes. RESULTS A total of 303 articles were identified and evaluated, of which 74 were ultimately deemed eligible for inclusion in this study, representing 6260 patients and 2554 lower limbs. The average patient age ranged from 22.6 to 76.14 years. The duration of lymphedema before LVA ranged from 12 months to 11.4 years. Objective rates of improvement in lymphedema ranged from 23.3% to 100%, with the greatest degree of improvement seen in patients with early-stage LEL. CONCLUSIONS LVA is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of LEL of all stages. Several emerging techniques and variations may lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik M. Verhey
- From the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Lyndsay A. Kandi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - Yeonsoo S. Lee
- From the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Bryn E. Morris
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - William J. Casey
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - Alanna M. Rebecca
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - Lisa A. Marks
- Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Michael A. Howard
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Chad M. Teven
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
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Cook JA, Sinha M, Lester M, Fisher CS, Sen CK, Hassanein AH. Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction to Prevent Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2022; 11:382-391. [PMID: 34714158 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2021.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance: Lymphedema is chronic limb swelling from lymphatic dysfunction. The condition affects up to 250 million people worldwide. In breast cancer patients, lymphedema occurs in 30% who undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Recent Advances: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR), also termed Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (LyMPHA), is a method to decrease the risk of lymphedema by performing prophylactic lymphovenous anastomoses at the time of ALND. The objective of this study is to assess the risk reduction of ILR in preventing lymphedema. Critical Issues: Lymphedema has significant effects on the quality of life and morbidity of patients. Several techniques have been described to manage lymphedema after development, but prophylactic treatment of lymphedema with ILR may decrease risk of development to 6.6%. Future Directions: Long-term studies that demonstrate efficacy of ILR may allow for prophylactic management of lymphedema in the patient undergoing lymph node dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Cook
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mithun Sinha
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary Lester
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Carla S. Fisher
- Division of Surgical Oncology; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Chandan K. Sen
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Aladdin H. Hassanein
- Division of Plastic Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis for Treating Secondary Lower Limb Lymphedema in Older Patients-A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113089. [PMID: 35683479 PMCID: PMC9181524 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an increased incidence of secondary lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and severity of comorbidities with age, the impact of age on the effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in the older patients remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled older patients (age > 65 years) with secondary unilateral LLL. All patients underwent supermicrosurgical LVA. Demographic data and intraoperative findings including lymphatic vessel (LV) diameter, LV functionality (indocyanine green-enhanced and Flow positivity), and lymphosclerosis classification were recorded. Magnetic resonance volumetry was used for measuring preoperative and postoperative volume changes at 6 months and one year after LVA as primary and secondary endpoints. Results: Thirty-two patients (29 females/3 males) with a median age of 71.0 years [range, 68.0 to 76.3] were enrolled. The median duration of lymphedema was 6.4 [1.0 to 11.7] years. The median LV diameter was 0.7 [0.5 to 0.8] mm. The percentage of ICG-enhanced and Flow-positive LVs were 89.5% and 85.8%, respectively. The total percentage of suitable LVs (s0 and s1) for LVA based on lymphosclerosis classification was 75.9%. There were significant six-month and one-year post-LVA percentage volume reductions compared to pre-LVA volume (both p < 0.001). A significant reduction in cellulitis incidence was also noted after LVA (p < 0.001). No surgical or postoperative complications were found. Conclusion: Relief of secondary LLL was achievable through LVA in older patients who still possessed favorable LV characteristics, including larger LV diameters as well as a high proportion of functional LVs with a low grade of lymphosclerosis.
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Fallahian F, Tadisina KK, Xu KY. Efficacy of Microsurgical Treatment of Primary Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. Ann Plast Surg 2022; 88:195-199. [PMID: 34398594 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000002862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of lymphedema remains a challenging clinical problem. Lymphatic surgery has recently gained momentum as an effective method to treat both early- and late-stage disease. In particular, "physiologic" microsurgical techniques including vascularized lymph node transplant and lymphovenous bypass/anastomosis have been shown to be effective in treating even advanced lymphedema. Most published reports describe techniques and success in secondary lymphedema. Traditionally, physiologic surgery was not believed to be useful in the treatment of primary lymphedema where baseline lymphatic function is abnormal. However, recent studies have shown a benefit in these cases. The objective of this study is to evaluate outcomes and complications of physiologic microsurgical treatment for primary lymphedema. METHODS The electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE were searched using key words "primary lymphedema" and "surgery" (also vascularized lymph node transplant, lymphovenous bypass, microsurgery). Only human studies published between 2000 and 2021 were included. Studies that only included ablative or resection surgeries were excluded. RESULTS A total of 10 studies comprising 254 patients with primary lymphedema who underwent 357 physiologic microsurgical operations were included. Lymphovenous bypass comprised 88% of cases, and in the patients who underwent vascularized lymph node transplant, all but 1 flap survived. Regardless of type of operative intervention, all studies showed a statistically significant improvement in lymphedema, through either reduction in limb circumference or edema volume or improvement in quality of life. DISCUSSION Physiologic lymphatic surgery has shown success and improvement for patients with primary lymphedema. Based on current literature, physiologic surgical treatment of primary lymphedema should be considered when treating this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyle Y Xu
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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Yoshida S, Koshima I, Imai H, Roh S, Mese T, Uchiki T, Sasaki A, Nagamatsu S. Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis for Age-Related Lymphedema. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215129. [PMID: 34768657 PMCID: PMC8584733 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary lymphedema is usually caused by intrinsic disruption or genetic damage to the lymphatics but may also be the result of age-related deterioration of the lymphatics. The aims of this study were to determine the characteristics of age-related lymphedema and to assess the effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in its treatment. METHODS Eighty-six patients with primary lymphedema affecting 150 lower limbs were divided into three groups according to whether the age of onset was younger than 35 years, 35-64 years, or 65 years or older. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was performed, followed by LVA surgery. ICG lymphography images were visually classified according to whether the pattern was linear, low enhancement (LE), distal dermal backflow (dDB), or extended dermal backflow (eDB). The lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) index score was calculated before and after LVA. Lymphatic vessel diameter and detection rates were also recorded. RESULTS In the ≥65 group, the lymphedema was bilateral in 54 patients and unilateral in 1 patient. There was statistically significant deterioration in the LEL index score with progression from the linear, LE, dDB through to the eDB pattern in the ≥65 group. The lymphatic vessel diameter was significantly greater in the ≥65 group. The rate of improvement was highest in the ≥65 group. CONCLUSION Age-related lymphedema was bilateral and deterioration started distally. The lymphatic vessels in patients with age-related lymphedema tended to be ectatic, which is advantageous for LVA and may increase the improvement rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- The International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (I.K.); (H.I.); (S.R.); (T.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-82-257-5555
| | - Isao Koshima
- The International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (I.K.); (H.I.); (S.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Hirofumi Imai
- The International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (I.K.); (H.I.); (S.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Solji Roh
- The International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (I.K.); (H.I.); (S.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Toshiro Mese
- The International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; (I.K.); (H.I.); (S.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Toshio Uchiki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 739-8551, Japan; (T.U.); (A.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Ayano Sasaki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 739-8551, Japan; (T.U.); (A.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Shogo Nagamatsu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 739-8551, Japan; (T.U.); (A.S.); (S.N.)
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Reply. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY CASES INNOVATIONS AND TECHNIQUES 2021; 7:403. [PMID: 34278069 PMCID: PMC8261474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Yoshida S, Koshima I, Imai H, Sasaki A, Nagamatsu S, Yokota K. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis for recurrent cellulitis in a dementia patient with lymphedema. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY CASES INNOVATIONS AND TECHNIQUES 2020; 6:340-343. [PMID: 32715167 PMCID: PMC7371726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We describe a dementia patient with comorbid recurrent cellulitis and lymphedema in the left lower limb who was treated successfully for recurrent cellulitis by lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). The patient, an 83-year-old woman, suffered from recurrent cellulitis three times a year on average for 15 years. Compression therapy was impossible because of dementia. After LVA, there has been no recurrence of cellulitis for 2 years. It is difficult to administer decongestive lymphatic therapy in some patients, such as patients with dementia. LVA is a promising treatment for recurrent cellulitis in a dementia patient with lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Yoshida
- International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Isao Koshima
- International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Imai
- International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ayano Sasaki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shogo Nagamatsu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazunori Yokota
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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