Primary Lymphovenous Anastomosis After Extended Soft Tissue Resection in the Medial Thigh for Reduction of Lymphocele and Lymphedema

Abstract

Introduction Postoperative chronic lymphocele and lymphedema represent severe burdens for soft tissue sarcoma patients who are already physically handicapped after an extensive surgery and a long recovery time. Incidences are high in the upper medial thigh. We have shifted our focus to lymphedema and lymphocele risk reduction with immediate lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) after sarcoma resection. Methods We performed immediate lymphatic reconstruction in 11 patients after soft tissue sarcoma resection in the upper medial thigh. The postoperative course was followed up closely, and postoperative occurrence of lymphocele and lymphedema was clinically assessed. A literature search outlining the latest clinical data, current treatment strategy landscape, and their application into clinical practice was added to the investigation. Results A total of 19 LVA and 2 lympho-lymphatic anastomoses were performed in 11 patients immediately after tumor resection in an end-to-end manner. We found a postoperative lymphedema rate of 36% and a postoperative lymphocele rate of 27%. Mean follow-up time was 17 months. Average tumor volume was 749 cc. Our literature search yielded 27 articles reporting on immediate LVA in cancer patients. Incidences of secondary lymphedema after LVA for lymphedema prevention vary between 0% and 31.1%. Lymphocele prevention with LVA is poorly studied in sarcoma patients. Conclusion Immediate lymphatic reconstruction improved the overall postoperative course of our patients. The current literature does not serve with high-quality studies about primary LVA preventing lymphedema and lymphocele formation. We conclude that this technique should be seen as an additional concept to achieve overall better postoperative outcomes in these challenging surgical settings. We strongly recommend to either anastomose or ligate severed lymphatics under the microscope primarily after sarcoma resection in the upper medial thigh area.