Lymphedema: Conventional to Cutting Edge Treatment

Abstract

Lymphedema of the extremities related to oncologic therapies such as cancer surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is a major long-term cause of morbidity for cancer patients. Both nonsurgical and surgical management strategies have been developed. The goals of these therapies are to achieve volume reduction of the affected extremity, a reduction in patient symptoms, and a reduction in associated morbidities such as recurrent soft-tissue infections. In this article, we review both nonsurgical and surgical management strategies. Traditional surgical therapy has focused on more ablative techniques such as the Charles procedure and suction-assisted lipectomy/liposuction. However, newer more physiologic surgical methods such as lymphovenous anastomoses and vascularized lymph node transfers have become a more common treatment modality for the management of this complex problem.

Lymphedema after regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study

“…Moreover, the relationship between discontinuation of this medication and problem-solving for lymphedema remains uncertain. No surgical approaches, such as lymphovenous anastomoses and vascularized LN transfers [ 18 ] were used to treat lymphedema in this study. Thus, it was not possible to estimate the treatment effectiveness.…”

Is mannitol combined with furosemide a new treatment for refractory lymphedema? A case report

“…Several treatments have been used for refractory lymphedema (Table 2 ). CDT is generally considered as first-line treatment for lymphedema and combines manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer bandaging, physical therapy, and skin care[ 2 , 3 ]. IPC is one of the most commonly used treatments.…”

Is immediate lymphatic reconstruction the future of lymphedema prevention?

“…Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a type of secondary lymphedema that may occur as a long-term complication after tumor or lymph node resection, leading to lymphatic fluid accumulation and fibrosis, affecting approximately 29% to 49% of patients who undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and 5–7% after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) ( 1 , 2 ). As a result, clinicians continue to study ways to prevent the onset or even cure of lymphedema and improve the lives of those who develop it ( 3 ).…”