Microsurgery for treatment of peripheral lymphedema: Long-term outcome and future perspectives

Lymphatic Regeneration after Popliteal Lymph Node Excision and Implantation of Aligned Nanofibrillar Collagen Scaffolds: An Experimental Rabbit Model

Lymphedema presents significant challenges to patients' quality of life, prompting the exploration of innovative treatments, such as collagen scaffolds, aimed at treating and reducing the risk of lymphedema. We aimed to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic efficacy and the lymphangiogenic potential of implanted aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridgeTM) following the induction of secondary lymphedema in a rabbit model. Thirty rabbits were divided into treatment (G1), prevention (G2), and control (G3) groups. Secondary lymphedema was induced in all groups. BioBridgeTM implantation was performed in G2 and G1 on days 0 and 60, respectively. Follow-ups included hindlimb circumference measurements and indocyanine green lymphography at 0, 60, and 90 days. None of the study rabbits exhibited dermal backflow on day 0 before surgery. At 60 days, the incidence rates of dermal backflow in G1, G2, and G3 were 100%, 44.4%, and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, at 90 days, the incidence rates were 22.2%, 44.4%, and 90%, respectively. New linear lymphatic observation was seen in rabbits with resolved dermal backflow. The findings of this study demonstrated the capacity of BioBridgeTM scaffolds to induce new lymphatic vessel formation and reduce dermal backflow in secondary lymphedema in a rabbit model.

Advantages of the intradermal lymphoscintigraphy

Lymphoscintigraphy is a nuclear medicine procedure that uses a small quantity of radioactive particles for visualizing the lymphatic system. Traditionally, the radiotracer was injected subcutaneously, but the quality of lymphatic path imaging was scarce due to high background. Intradermal radiotracer injection is considered the modern-day intralymphatic injection. We propose rest/stress intradermal lymphoscintigraphy for the diagnosis, staging and surgical planning of lymphedema. Major and minor findings were described in primary and secondary lymphedema. Based on the in-depth information of the lymphatic pathways, physiotherapists and microsurgeons can obtain important functional information in patients' selection to treat with physical treatments and/or undergo microsurgery.

Optimizing Outcomes in Lymphedema Reconstruction

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe current surgical techniques for treating primary and secondary lymphedema. 2. Optimize the surgical care of patients with lymphedema.

SUMMARY

Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the surgical treatment of lymphedema. The most notable changes have been the reintroduction and evolution of physiologic techniques, including lymphovenous bypass-sometimes referred to as lymphovenous anastomosis in the literature-and vascularized lymph node transplant. These surgical modalities are now often used as first-line surgical options or may be combined with nonphysiologic approaches, including direct excision and suction-assisted lipectomy. Surgeons continue to debate the most appropriate sequence and combination of surgical treatment, particularly for patients at both extremes of the severity spectrum. Furthermore, debate remains around the need to apply different treatment approaches for patients with upper versus lower extremity involvement and primary versus secondary cause. In this article, we provide a summary of the surgical techniques currently used for both primary and secondary lymphedema and provide our recommendations for optimizing the surgical care of patients with lymphedema.

Axillary Reverse Mapping in Clinically Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) nodes are involved in a significant proportion of clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer patients. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is effective at decreasing the incidence of nodal metastases in cN+ patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-five cN+ patients with confirmed nodal involvement on ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology were enrolled in this study: one group underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) without NAC (upfront surgery group), and the other group underwent ALND following NAC (NAC group). The patients underwent 18F-FDG-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) before surgery, as well as an ARM procedure during ALND.

RESULTS

the rates of involvement of ARM nodes in the NAC group were significantly lower than those of the upfront surgery group (36.6% vs. 62.2%, p < 0.01). Notably, involvement was significantly decreased after NAC in non-luminal-type tumors as compared to the luminal-type (18.4% vs. 48.5%: p < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant difference in ARM node involvement after NAC between patients with or without axillary uptake of 18F-FDG (61.5% vs. 32.5%: p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

NAC significantly decreased the risk of ARM node metastases in cN+ patients, but 18F-FDG-PET/CT was not suitable to detect residual metastatic disease of the axilla after NAC.

The effects of postoperative treadmill exercise on rats with secondary lymphedema

Cancer-related lymphedema (LE) is often caused by radiotherapy and surgery such as lymph node dissection (LND). Previous studies have reported that exercise is beneficial to relieve LE, but the changes in the lymphatic system following exercise are still unclear. This study aimed to examine the changes in lymphatic drainage pathways over the exercise period and beneficial effects of exercise in rats with LE. Twelve rats were randomly allocated into exercise and control groups (EG and CG; n = 6 each). To obtain LE, inguinal and popliteal LND followed by 20 Gy irradiation was performed. Treadmill exercise was 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week over the four-week period. Consecutive indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography images were collected and classified into five patterns: i) linear; ii) splash; iii) stardust; iv) diffuse, and v) none. Ankle thickness was measured weekly. Histopathological evaluation was performed to examine the skin thickness, collagen area fraction (%) and lymphatic vessel density in harvested tissue. ICG lymphography exhibited more linear and splash patterns in the EG at week 3. The difference of swelling between both groups was significantly different at week 4 (p = 0.016). Histopathologic data revealed a thinner epidermis (p = 0.041) and dermis (p = 0.002), lower collagen area fraction (%, p = 0.002), and higher lymph vessel density (p = 0.002) in the EG than the CG. In conclusion, we found that postoperative exercise can facilitate improvement in lymphatic fluid retention in the lymphedema rat model, resulting in improvement of pathological conditions in the lymphatic system.

Long-term efficacy of lymphovenous anastomosis for the treatment of retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia: A case report and a review of literature

Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) represents an alternative treatment for retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia. In contrast to sclerotherapy or excision, which may risk lymphatic obstruction and subsequent lymphedema, LVA preserves existing lymphatic architecture and transit. This report shows long-term efficacy of LVA for functional decompression of a symptomatic pathologically dilatated retroperitoneal lymphatics. A 47-year-old female with retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia refractory to multiple percutaneous drainages and treatments with sclerosing agents underwent LVA with anastomosis of a dominant segment of retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia to the deep inferior epigastric vein. Postoperative serial magnetic resonance imaging with 3-dimensional volume calculation over the 27 months follow-up showed evidence of decompression of the lesion with patent bypass. There were no known immediate complications nor requirement of further interventions. The patient's subjective pain also decreased substantially. This report confirms long-term efficacy of LVA for retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia as an alternative to sclerotherapy and surgical excision in the setting of previously failed treatments.

Overview of Lymphedema for Physicians and Other Clinicians: A Review of Fundamental Concepts

Lymphedema has historically been underrated in clinical practice, education, and scholarship to the detriment of many patients with this chronic, debilitating condition. The mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system causes the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium, which triggers a cascade of adverse consequences such as fat deposition and fibrosis. As the condition progresses, patients present with extremity heaviness, itchiness, skin infections, and, in later stages, dermal fibrosis, skin papillomas, acanthosis, and other trophic skin changes. Correspondingly, lymphedema results in psychological morbidity, including anxiety, depression, social avoidance, and a decreased quality of life, encompassing emotional, functional, physical, and social domains. For this review, we conducted a literature search using PubMed and EMBASE and herein summarize the evidence related to the fundamental concepts of lymphedema. This article aims to raise awareness of this serious condition and outline and review the fundamental concepts of lymphedema.

Visual analysis of global research output of lymphedema based on bibliometrics

Background

Globally, several generations of doctors in the field of lymphedema have created numerous publications. To date, no bibliometric analysis has been performed specifically on these publications. For the further promotion of research on lymphedema and to align with the international research frontiers, it is essential to understand the current state of Lymphedema research output.

Objective

This study aims to statistically and visually analyze the characteristics of publications output, distribution of contributions and development process of lymphedema, enriching the knowledge base of Lymphedema, and then seek potential research topics and collaborators.

Methods

Based on the Web of Science core collection database, we firstly analyzed the quantity and quality of publications in the field of lymphedema, secondly profiled the publishing groups in terms of country, institution, author's publication and cooperation network, and finally sorted out and summarized the hot topics of research.

Results

A total of 8569 papers were retrieved from 1900-2021. The top4 journals with the most publications were LYMPHOLOGY, LYMPHATIC RESEARCH AND BIOLOGY, PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY and ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY. The top 4 countries with the most publications were USA, Japan, UK, and China. The United States dominates the total number of publications and the international cooperation network. The most productive research institution is Harvard University, and the research institution with the most collaborating institutions is Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Mortimer, Peter S contributes the most research in this field. The research achievements of Japanese scholars in this field are of great significance. The top 5 ranked keywords are "Breast Cancer", "Health-Related Quality Of Life", "Lymphscintigraphy", "Lymphovenous Anastomosis", and "Lymphangiogenesis".

Conclusion

More and more scholars are devoted to the research of cancer-related Lymphedema. It is foreseeable that breast cancer-related lymphedema and lymphangiogenesis will remain a focus of future research. Advances in Lymphatic vessel imaging and the development of lymphatic microsurgery will further play a role in the clinical workup of lymphedema. Meanwhile, This study can help researchers identify potential collaborators and partner institutions and contribute to further research.

A Systematic Stepwise Method to Perform a Supermicrosurgical Lymphovenous Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has become an increasingly common treatment for patients with extremity lymphedema. In this article, we present our current strategy for patient selection, preoperative planning, and a series of intraoperative clues that may help to perform a supermicrosurgical LVA. Technical considerations are presented using a systematic step-by-step method to make this procedure more reproducible and straightforward.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a review of patients operated between January 2015 and June 2018 using the aforementioned approach. Data were collected prospectively, and all procedures were performed by the senior author. Preoperative assessment included lymphoscintigraphy, indocyanine green lymphography, noncontrast magnetic resonance lymphography and high-frequency ultrasonography. Lymphovenous anastomosis was decomposed into a sequential 6-step approach considering the main aspects that determine a successful anastomosis.

RESULTS

Lymphovenous anastomosis was performed in 229 patients, including 677 anastomoses. Median follow-up was 33 months (range, 13-51 months). A median of 3.1 (range, 1-7) LVA were performed on 2.7 (range, 1-6) incision sites per patient. Median time for dissection of lymphatic(s) and vein(s) was 8.7 minutes (1-18 minutes) with a median time of 27.2 minutes (range, 13-51 minutes) for a complete LVA. Lymphatic detection rate was 100% (677 of 677) and vein detection rate was 99.7% (675 of 677), with 31.0% (210 of 677) of reflux-free veins. For upper-extremity lymphedema (47 of 229; 20.6%), volume reduction was achieved in 100% (47 of 47) of the cases, with a median volume reduction rate of 67% (range, 7-93%). In lower-extremity lymphedema (182 of 229; 79.4%), volume reduction was achieved in 86.8% (158 of 182) of the cases, with a median volume reduction rate of 41% (range, 7-81%). Cellulitis episodes decreased from 2.1 to 0.2 episodes/year after LVA (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Acceptable success rates were obtained using a sequential strategy for planning and execution of supermicrosurgical LVA for secondary extremity lymphedema. We believe including a stepwise approach may help to simplify this procedure, especially for surgeons in their early practice.

Relationship Between Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis Outcomes and The Number and Types of Anastomoses

BACKGROUND

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is the first-line treatment for lymphedema in many hospitals. However, many aspects of its effects remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze problems with regard to the relationship between lymphaticovenular anastomosis and outcomes of surgery for lymphedema in the upper and lower extremities.

METHODS

Eighteen articles were selected for review. The following information was extracted from these articles as factors associated with LVA for lymphedema in the upper and lower extremities: number of cases, average patient age, mean number of bypasses, lymphedema stage, duration and type of lymphedema, anastomotic technique, follow-up period, type of scale, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

Upper extremity lymphedema: The average age of patients was 54.2 (range: 41.3-60.1) years. The mean number of anastomoses was 3.91 (range: 1.0-7.2). Six of nine articles provided data for volume change, and the mean volume change was 29% (-5%-50%). Lower extremity lymphedema: The average age of patients was 50.3 (range: 34-64 years). The mean number of anastomoses was 4.6 (range: 2.1-9.3). Comparison was difficult as different methods were used for postoperative evaluation (lower extremity lymphedema index in three patients, limb circumference in one, volume change in two, and restaging in three).

CONCLUSIONS

We obtained useful information with regard to the effects of LVA in this review. An increased number of anastomoses between the lymphatic ducts and veins did not seem to improve the effectiveness of LVA. With regard to the stage of lymphedema, LVA may be useful for both early and advanced stages.

[Multidisciplinary approach in the lymphedema patient: From rehabilitation to microsurgery]

Lymphedema is a chronic disease with a high incidence in our society. In this paper, we present a review with the latest advances in imaging techniques and surgical reconstructive treatment of lymphedema (lymphovenous anastomosis, vascularized lymph node transfer, and prophylactic lymphedema surgery). In addition, a protocol is established based on a multidisciplinary team (composed of physiatrists, plastic surgeons, radiologists and nuclear medicine radiologists) to optimize the treatment of these patients.

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Recent Updates on Diagnosis, Severity and Available Treatments

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a global healthcare issue affecting the emotional and life quality of breast cancer survivors significantly. The clinical presentation is characterized by swelling of the affected upper limb, that may be accompanied by atrophic skin findings, pain and recurrent cellulitis. Cardinal principles of lymphedema management are the use of complex decongestive therapy and patient education. Recently, new microsurgery procedures have been reported with interesting results, bringing in a new opportunity to care postmastectomy lymphedema. However, many aspects of the disease are still debated in the medical community, including clinical examination, imaging techniques, patient selection and proper treatment. Here we will review these aspects and the current literature.

Changing the Paradigm: Lymphovenous Anastomosis in Advanced Stage Lower Extremity Lymphedema

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, lymphovenous anastomosis is not routinely performed in patients with advanced stage lymphedema because of difficulty with identifying functioning lymphatics. This study presents the use of duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance lymphangiography to identify functional lymphatics and reports the clinical outcome of lymphovenous anastomosis in advanced stage lower extremity lymphedema patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 42 patients (50 lower limbs) with advanced lymphedema (late stage 2 or 3) that underwent functional lymphovenous anastomoses. Functional lymphatic vessels were identified preoperatively using magnetic resonance lymphangiography and duplex ultrasound.

RESULTS

An average of 4.64 lymphovenous anastomoses were performed per limb using the lymphatics located in the deep fat underneath the superficial fascia. The average diameter of lymphatic vessels was 0.61 mm (range, 0.35 to 1 mm). The average limb volume was reduced 14.0 percent postoperatively, followed by 15.2 percent after 3 months, and 15.5 percent after 6 months and 1 year (p < 0.001). For patients with unilateral lymphedema, 32.4 percent had less than 10 percent volume excess compared to the contralateral side postoperatively, whereas 20.5 percent had more than 20 percent volume excess. The incidence of cellulitis decreased from 0.84 per year to 0.07 per year after surgery (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that functioning lymphatic vessels can be identified preoperatively using ultrasound and magnetic resonance lymphangiography; thus, lymphovenous anastomoses can effectively reduce the volume of the limb and improve subjective symptoms in patients with advanced stage lymphedema of the lower extremity.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Evaluation and selection of lower limb lymphedema patients for lymphaticovenular anastomosis: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) with supramicrosurgical technique has recently gained popularity as a treatment method for patients with lymphedema. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate objective changes in leg volume in patients operated with LVA for lymphedema in the lower extremity, and to find positive predictors for the treatment method to facilitate the location of the venules and lymphatic vessels.

PATIENTS & METHODS

31 consecutive patients with lymphedema in the lower extremity and positive pitting test were examined with lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. The causes of the lymphedema were either cancer or unknown cause/primary lymphedema. Fourteen of the patients with pathological lymphangiographic patterns were chosen for surgery and 12 of them were operated with one to four LVAs each. The lymphedema volume in the lower extremity was measured preoperatively, 6- and 12 months after surgery according to the truncated cone formula with the patient´s contralateral leg used as control. Ten patients had unilateral lymphedema and two patients had bilateral lymphedema.

RESULTS

Five of 12 patients showed between 1-8% edema reductions in the lower extremity after 12 months. With examination considering edema duration, number of anastomoses, radiotherapy and lymph node dissection we found a 6,2% difference in edema reduction between patients who had undergone lymph node dissection and those who had not (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicates that supramicrosurgery with LVA may reduce edema volumes, where the most distinctive positive predictor for edema reduction with LVAs was previous lymph node dissection.

Treatment of toes as an integrated part of infection control for advanced lower limb lymphedema

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of infection and verrucous hyperkeratosis in patients who underwent surgery for advanced lymphedema according to the algorithm designed by the senior author, and were treated concurrently with/without toe treatment. A case series (Between 2004-2015) of 46 patients with unilateral advanced lower limb lymphedema was reviewed. Lymphoscintigraphy was used for evaluation of lymphedema severity. The ICG lymphography was used for staging. Fibrosis and skin induration were reflected by the tonicity. They were divided into two groups: (1) patients who underwent further treatment of toes according to the algorithm, and (2) patients who did not have toe-related treatment. Infection episodes and verrucous hyperkeratosis were recorded. There were 21 and 25 patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. All lymphoscintigrams showed severe dermal backflow with severe stagnation by 2.5 h after injection of Tc-99 colloid. All patients were stage IV or V. Tonicity values of skin were <60. Group 1 was reduced to an average of 0.6 episodes per year in the past year of follow-up, and Group 2 was reduced to an average of 1.5 episodes per year in the past year of follow-up (p <0.001). The average frequency of preoperative cellulitis was 3.6 episodes per year. The occurrence of verrucous hyperkeratosis was observed in 14.3% and 32% of Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The incidences of cellulitis and verrucous hyperkeratosis were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p <0.001). To achieve successful control of infection, they should be treated carefully according to the strategy described above.

Outcomes following lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for 100 cases of lymphedema: results over 24-months follow-up

PURPOSE

Lymphedema is a debilitating condition that significantly affects patient's quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes after lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for extremity lymphedema.

METHODS

A single-center prospective study on upper and lower extremity lymphedema patients was performed. All LVA procedures were preceded by outpatient Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography. Quality of life measured by the Lymph-ICF was the primary outcome. Limb circumference, use of compression garments, and frequency of cellulitis episodes and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) sessions were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred consecutive patients, predominantly experiencing upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer (n = 85), underwent a total of 132 LVAs. During a mean follow-up of 25 months, mean Lymph-ICF score significantly decreased from 43.9 preoperative to 30.6 postoperative, representing significant QoL improvement. Decrease in upper and lower limb circumference was observed in 52% of patients with a mean decrease of 6%. Overall mean circumference was not significantly different. Percentage of patients that could reduce compression garments in the upper and lower extremity group was 65% and 40%, respectively. Number of cellulitis episodes per year and MLD sessions per week showed a mean decrease of respectively 0.6 and 0.8 in the upper extremity and 0.4 and 1.0 in the lower extremity group.

CONCLUSIONS

LVA resulted in significant QoL improvement in upper and lower extremity lymphedema patients. Limb circumference did not significantly improve but good results concerning compression garments, cellulitis episodes, and MLD sessions were obtained. Additionally, a simple and patient-friendly method for outpatient ICG lymphography is presented.

The Influence of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Lymphatic Flow During Supermicrosurgery

Background: The influence of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) on medium-sized vessels as well as capillary microcirculation is well known. Effects on lymphatic vessels, however, are difficult to visualize and have not been investigated to date. One of the operative treatment options in primary and secondary lymphedemas is lymphovenous anastomoses using supermicrosurgery. To prove patency of the anastomosis, the lymphatic flow is visualized by fluorescence using indocyanine green. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PEMFT on the lymphatic microcirculation, and compare it with conventional manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) during supermicrosurgery. Methods and Results: Ten patients with lymphedema were included. Indocyanine green was injected before the operation for intraoperative visualization of the lymphatic vessels using a microscope equipped with an integrated near-infrared illumination system (Zeiss). The PEMFT system (Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy Regulation [BEMER]) was used as our standard device during a single 2-minute application period (AP) followed by MLD or vice versa. The mean light intensity in the calibration period (CP) was 46.53 ± 24.3 and 33.41 ± 12.92 for PEMFT and MLD, respectively. During the AP, the mean light intensity changed to 45.61 ± 24.40 for PEMFT and 57.05 ± 18.80 during MLD. This change between CP and AP did not differ significantly for the PEMFT application (p = 0.26), but showed an increase in light intensity during MLD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found a light intensity enhancement equivalent to a flow increase during MLD of 78.7% ± 45.7% (range 20%-144%) and no significant difference during the PEMFT application. A single period application of PEMFT did not affect the lymphatic flow.

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis for breast cancer-related upper extremity lymphedema: a literature review

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a long-term condition that affects almost half of breast cancer survivors. Clinical studies have looked at the benefits of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) for the treatment of upper extremities lymphedema after breast cancer, however, there is still controversy if it improves lymphedema. This study aimed to analyze the studies and outcomes related to LVA for breast cancer-related lymphedema. A PubMed/Medline search was performed using "lymphovenous bypass", "upper extremity lymphedema", "arm lymphedema after breast cancer treatment", and "lymphaticovenular anastomosis" as key words. Only English articles reporting outcomes after LVA were included. We found 22 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Positive outcomes were found in 21 studies with an objective volume reduction and subjective symptoms relief after LVA. This literature review concluded that LVA has demonstrated a significant decrease in upper extremity volumes and an improvement in subjectively reporting symptoms in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients.

A Novel Surgical Approach for Refractory Secondary Lymphedema of the Lower Extremity Accompanying Micro-Arteriovenous Fistula

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for lymphedema of the lower extremity has been established as a minimally invasive and effective surgical treatment to return static lymph fluid to the vein. However, we often experience cases in which the effect of LVA cannot be obtained sufficiently, or the anastomotic site becomes obstructed and the edema deteriorates over a long term. One of the causes is the combination of local venous hypertension (VT) by micro-arteriovenous fistula (mAVF). We report two cases of refractory lymphedema at the lower extremity caused by mAVF and incompetent perforating vein (IPV). In these cases, surgical ligation and separation of the mAVF and IPV is effective in reducing edema.

Clinical features, microbiological epidemiology and recommendations for management of cellulitis in extremity lymphedema

BACKGROUND

This high volume, single center study investigated the prevalence, bacterial epidemiology, and responsiveness to antibiotic therapy of cellulitis in extremity lymphedema.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2018, cellulitis events from a cohort of 420 patients with extremity lymphedema were reviewed. Demographics, lymphedema grading, symptoms, inflammatory markers, cultures and antibiotic therapy regimens were compiled from cellulitis episodes data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for detailed analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 131 separate episodes of cellulitis were recorded from 43 (81.1%) lower limb and 10 (19.9%) upper limb lymphedema patients. The prevalence and recurrence rates for cellulitis in lymphedema patients were 12.6% (53 of 420) and 56.6% (30 of 53), respectively. The most common findings were increased limb circumference (127 of 131; 96.9%) and abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP) level (86 of 113; 76.1%). Blood cultures were obtained in 79 (60.3%) incidents, with 9 (11.4%) returning positive. Streptococcus agalactiae was the most isolated bacterium (5 of 9; 55.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The cellulitis prevalence and recurrence rate in extremity lymphedema were 12.6%, and 56.6%, respectively. Strongest indicators of cellulitis were increased affected limb circumference and elevated CRP level. Empiric antibiotic therapy began with coverage for Steptococcus species before broadening to anti-Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and anti-Gram negatives if needed for effective treatment of extremity lymphedema cellulitis.

Anatomical Basis of the Gastroepiploic Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: A Radiographic Evaluation Using Computed Tomographic Angiography

BACKGROUND

The omentum, nourished by the gastroepiploic vessels, has gained popularity as an option for vascularized lymph node transfer. The anatomy of the gastroepiploic vessels, omentum, and lymph nodes has not been investigated. The purpose of this article is to describe the right gastroepiploic artery and related structures by using computed tomographic angiography.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients who underwent computed tomographic angiography. Statistical models were applied to identify right gastroepiploic artery and lymph node anatomical characteristics.

RESULTS

The right gastroepiploic artery was identified in 33 of 34 patients. It was found to have a diameter of 2.49 ± 0.66 mm at its origin. The gastroduodenal artery length before right gastroepiploic artery takeoff was 3.09 ± 1.31 cm. Twenty-five patients had lymph nodes in the right gastroepiploic artery lymphosome. There were 2.7 ± 2.12 lymph nodes identified per patient. The distance from the right gastroepiploic artery origin to the most proximal lymph node was 3.99 ± 2.21 cm. The distance from the gastroepiploic artery origin to the third lymph node was 9.12 ± 5.06 cm. Each lymph node was within 7.00 ± 6.2 mm of the right gastroepiploic artery.

CONCLUSIONS

When using the right gastroepiploic artery donor site for vascularized lymph node transfer, the plastic surgeon should anticipate using a pedicle length of 4 cm, a total flap length of 9 cm, and 3 cm of surrounding tissue to obtain at least three lymph nodes for transfer. Computed tomographic angiography is an effective imaging modality that can be used for patient-specific surgical navigation before vascularized lymph node transfer.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema: risk factors, precautionary measures, and treatments

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a negative sequela of breast cancer treatment, and well-established risk factors include axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and regional lymph node radiation (RLNR). BCRL affects approximately 1 in 5 patients treated for breast cancer, and it has a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life after breast cancer treatment, serving as a reminder of previous illness. This paper is a comprehensive review of the current evidence regarding BCRL risk factors, precautionary guidelines, prospective screening, early intervention, and surgical and non-surgical treatment techniques. Through establishing evidence-based BCRL risk factors, researchers and clinicians are better able to prevent, anticipate, and provide early intervention for BCRL. Clinicians can identify patients at high risk and utilize prospective screening programs, which incorporate objective measurements, patient reported outcome measures (PROM), and clinical examination, thereby creating opportunities for early intervention and, accordingly, improving BCRL prognosis. Innovative surgical techniques that minimize and/or prophylactically correct lymphatic disruption, such as axillary reverse mapping (ARM) and lymphatic-venous anastomoses (LVAs), are promising avenues for reducing BCRL incidence. Nonetheless, for those patients with BCRL who remain unresponsive to conservative methods like complete decongestive therapy (CDT), surgical treatment options aiming to reduce limb volume or restore lymphatic flow may prove to be palliative or corrective. It is only through a strong team-based approach that such a continuum of care can exist, and a multidisciplinary approach to BCRL screening, intervention, and research is therefore strongly encouraged.

Surgical treatment of recidivist lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic disease with a progressively ingravescent evolvement and an appearance of recurrent complications of acute lymphangitic type; in nature it is mostly erysipeloid and responsible for a further rapid increase in the volume and consistency of edema. The purpose of this work is to present our experience in the minimally invasive treatment for recurrence of lymphedema; adapting techniques performed in the past which included large fasciotomy with devastating results cosmetically; but these techniques have been proposed again by the use of endoscopic equipment borrowed from the advanced laparoscopy surgery, which allows a monoskin access of about one cm.

Lymphatic mapping and preoperative imaging in the management of post-mastectomy lymphoedema

Early detection and diagnosis of upper extremity lymphoedema in patients after mastectomy and axillary lymph node clearance is important in order to treat disease before it is too advanced to achieve favourable outcomes. Patients with disease refractory to conservative management can be efficiently assessed for diagnosis and surgical intervention using advanced lymphatic imaging techniques. The current paper highlights the more readily available of these: lymphoscintigraphy, indocyanine green (ICG) lymphangiography and immunofluorescence, magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) and computed tomographic lymphangiography in combination or individually. With such techniques, both diagnosis and treatment of lymphoedema has become more readily achieved, with lymphatico-venous and lymphatico-lymphatic anastomosis, and lymph node transfer now increasingly common undertakings.

A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Influence of Breast Reconstruction on Subsequent Development of Lymphedema

BACKGROUND

Recent literature demonstrates a lower incidence of lymphedema with breast reconstruction. This study compared the incidence of lymphedema after axillary dissection in a propensity-matched cohort of patients with and without immediate breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A review of patients undergoing axillary lymphadenectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction from January 1, 2000, to July 1, 2013, was conducted. Comorbidities, cancer treatment, operative characteristics, and pathologic findings were reviewed. The primary outcome was postoperative lymphedema. Univariate analysis identified baseline differences between the patient groups. Cohorts were propensity-matched by age, body mass index greater than 30 kg/m, adjuvant radiation therapy, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Subsequent multivariate regression was performed to identify independent predictors of lymphedema among matched patients.

RESULTS

A total of 4647 patients underwent breast cancer resection, with 1955 having axillary lymphadenectomy (no reconstruction, n = 1200; autologous, n = 563; implant-based, n = 192). Matching yielded a cohort of 239 reconstruction and 239 no-reconstruction patients demonstrating no differences in age, body mass index, hypertension, adjuvant radiation therapy, or axillary dissection extent. With 55.9 months' follow-up, postoperative lymphedema was diagnosed in 94 patients (19.7 percent). Reconstruction patients developed lymphedema in 19.2 percent of cases versus 20.1 percent for no- reconstruction patients (p = 0.82). Regression identified two independent predictors of lymphedema: postoperative radiation therapy (OR, 2.90; p < 0.001) and obesity (OR, 2.36; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a 19.7 percent incidence of lymphedema following axillary lymphadenectomy. Reconstruction does not appear to alter lymphedema risk, whereas postoperative radiation therapy, obesity, and extensive axillary dissection greatly increase risk.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Estimating Lymphodynamic Conditions and Lymphovenous Anastomosis Efficacy Using (99m)Tc-phytate Lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT-CT in Patients with Lower-limb Lymphedema

Background:

Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lower-limb lymphedema have not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to estimate the lymphodynamic condition and therapeutic efficacy of lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) in lower-limb lymphedema patients using 2-phase ^99mTc-phytate lymphoscintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT).

Methods:

In this study, consecutive patients with lower-limb lymphedema who underwent 2-phase lymphoscintigraphy using ^99mTc-phytate were enrolled between June 2013 and June 2014. SPECT-CT was also performed to clarify the relationships between functional and morphological information. In both the early and delayed images, inguinal lymph node accumulation, dermal backflow, and their sequential alternations were evaluated, and liver-to-blood ratio and inguinal lymph node-to-blood ratio were calculated. All participants were classified into 6 types of lymphodynamic conditions based on the image findings. Patients with both dermal backflow and associated normal lymphatic vessel accumulation proceeded to LVA and underwent a second lymphoscintigraphy after the operation.

Results:

Of all 30 participants, the largest population was categorized as type 4, which had consistent inguinal lymph node accumulation defect with dermal backflow. In 12 operated cases, dermal backflow was degraded in 10 cases by LVA. Liver-to-blood ratio in both early and delayed images and inguinal lymph node-to-blood ratio in delayed image significantly increased after LVA.

Conclusions:

Lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT-CT can provide both functional and morphological information simultaneously in patients with lower-limb lymphedema. Using these procedures, a type categorization for the patients was devised, which reflects their lymphodynamic conditions. The therapeutic efficacy of LVA could also be estimated quantitatively by the derived findings.

Lymphaticovenous bypass decreases pathologic skin changes in upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in microsurgery such as lymphaticovenous bypass (LVB) have been shown to decrease limb volumes and improve subjective symptoms in patients with lymphedema. However, to date, it remains unknown if these procedures can reverse the pathological tissue changes associated with lymphedema. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze skin tissue changes in patients before and after LVB.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Matched skin biopsy samples were collected from normal and lymphedematous limbs of 6 patients with unilateral breast cancer-related upper extremity lymphedema before and 6 months after LVB. Biopsy specimens were fixed and analyzed for inflammation, fibrosis, hyperkeratosis, and lymphangiogenesis. Six months following LVB, 83% of patients had symptomatic improvement in their lymphedema. Histological analysis at this time demonstrated a significant decrease in tissue CD4(+) cell inflammation in lymphedematous limb (but not normal limb) biopsies (p<0.01). These changes were associated with significantly decreased tissue fibrosis as demonstrated by decreased collagen type I deposition and TGF-β1 expression (all p<0.01). In addition, we found a significant decrease in epidermal thickness, decreased numbers of proliferating basal keratinocytes, and decreased number of LYVE-1(+) lymphatic vessels in lymphedematous limbs after LVB.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown, for the first time, that microsurgical LVB not only improves symptomatology of lymphedema but also helps to improve pathologic changes in the skin. These findings suggest that the some of the pathologic changes of lymphedema are reversible and may be related to lymphatic fluid stasis.

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis to prevent cellulitis associated with lymphoedema

BACKGROUND

One of the complications of lymphoedema is recurrent cellulitis. The aim was to determine whether lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) was effective at reducing cellulitis in patients with lymphoedema.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients with arm/leg lymphoedema who underwent LVA. The frequency of cellulitis was compared before and after surgery. The diagnostic criteria for cellulitis were a fever of 38·5°C or higher, and warmth/redness in the affected limb(s).

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients were included. The mean number of episodes of cellulitis in the year preceding surgery was 1·46, compared with 0·18 in the year after surgery (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

LVA reduced the rate of cellulitis in these patients with lymphoedema.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the chronic, progressive swelling of tissue due to inadequate lymphatic function. Over time, protein-rich fluid accumulates in the tissue, causing it to enlarge. Lymphedema is a specific disease and should not be used as a generic term for an enlarged extremity. The diagnosis is made by evaluating the history and physical examination, and can be confirmed with lymphoscintigraphy. Intervention includes patient education, compression, and, rarely, surgery. Patients are advised to exercise, maintain a normal body mass index, and moisturize/protect the diseased limb from incidental trauma. Conservative management consists of compression regimens. Operative interventions either attempt to address the underlying lymphatic anomaly or the excess tissue. Lymphatic-venous anastomosis and lymph node transfer attempt to create new lymphatic connections to correct the defect. Suction-assisted lipectomy and staged cutaneous/subcutaneous excision reduce the size of the area by removing extra tissues.

Vascularized groin lymph node flap transfer for postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema: flap anatomy, recipient sites, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Vascularized groin lymph node flap transfer is an emerging approach to the treatment of postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema. The authors describe the pertinent flap anatomy, surgical technique including different recipient sites, and outcome of this technique.

METHODS

Ten cadaveric dissections were performed to clarify the vascular supply of the superficial groin lymph nodes. Ten patients underwent vascularized groin lymph node flap transfer for postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema using the wrist (n=8) or elbow (n=2) as a recipient site. Ten patients who chose to undergo physical therapy were used as controls. Intraoperatively, indocyanine green was injected subcutaneously on the flap margin to observe the lymph drainage. Outcomes were assessed using improvement of circumferential differentiation, reduction rate, and decreased number of episodes of cellulitis.

RESULTS

A mean 6.2±1.3 groin lymph nodes with consistent pedicles were identified in the cadaveric dissections. After indocyanine injection, the fluorescence was drained from the flap edge into the donor vein, followed by the recipient vein. At a mean follow-up of 39.1±15.7 months, the mean improvement of circumferential differentiation was 7.3±2.7 percent and the reduction rate was 40.4±16.1 percent in the vascularized groin lymph node group, which were statistically greater than those of the physical therapy group (1.7±4.6 percent and 8.3±34.7 percent, respectively; p<0.01 and p=0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The superficial groin lymph nodes were confirmed as vascularized with reliable arterial perfusion. Vascularized groin lymph node flap transfer using the wrist or elbow as a recipient site is an efficacious approach to treating postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.