Combined Volume Reduction Surgery and Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis for Treatment of Lower Leg Lymphedema

Abstract

Much has been reported in the past regarding obesity as a risk factor for the origin of lymphedema. There are also reports of surgical treatments for obesity-related lymphedema. We have previously reported on the effectiveness of lymphaticovenular anastomosis in reducing chronic inflammation, and we believe that lymphaticovenular anastomosis is a very useful surgical approach in patients with recurrent cellulitis. In this report, we describe a case of a severely obese patient with a body mass index over 50 who developed lymphedema in both lower extremities due to pressure from sagging abdominal fat accompanied by frequent episodes of cellulitis.