Hin-Lun Liu1, Suet-Ying Pang2, Chung-Ching Lee2. 1. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: lawrencehlliu@gmail.com. 2. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vascularized lymph node transfer is an established treatment for secondary lymphedema. Different donor sites of lymph node flap have been described. In our institute, vascularized groin lymph node (VGLN) flap is the workhorse flap for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Potential complications of VGLN flap harvesting include seroma formation, thigh dysaesthesia, and iatrogenic lymphedema. METHODS: Between August 2013 and June 2016, 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 60 years underwent VGLN transfer for BCRL. Reverse mapping of lower limb lymphatics with patent blue solution was performed in all cases. The donor limb conditions were assessed clinically with limb circumference measurement and radiologically with lymphoscintigraphy. Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy findings and transport indexes were compared between the donor and nonoperated limbs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 22.11 ± 7.83 months. Three (10%) patients developed groin seroma and 18 (60%) patients complained of transient thigh dysaesthesia. There was no clinically detectable donor limb lymphedema. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed at a mean of 13 months after operation. The mean transport indexes of the nonoperated limbs and donor limbs were 2.04 and 3.32, respectively. For the donor limbs, all patients had normal distribution pattern of contrast uptake. No dermal backflow pattern was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: With good knowledge of groin anatomy and meticulous surgical skills, VGLN flap can be harvested without causing major consequence to the donor limb.
INTRODUCTION: Vascularized lymph node transfer is an established treatment for secondary lymphedema. Different donor sites of lymph node flap have been described. In our institute, vascularized groin lymph node (VGLN) flap is the workhorse flap for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Potential complications of VGLN flap harvesting include seroma formation, thigh dysaesthesia, and iatrogenic lymphedema. METHODS: Between August 2013 and June 2016, 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 60 years underwent VGLN transfer for BCRL. Reverse mapping of lower limb lymphatics with patent blue solution was performed in all cases. The donor limb conditions were assessed clinically with limb circumference measurement and radiologically with lymphoscintigraphy. Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy findings and transport indexes were compared between the donor and nonoperated limbs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 22.11 ± 7.83 months. Three (10%) patients developed groin seroma and 18 (60%) patients complained of transient thigh dysaesthesia. There was no clinically detectable donorlimb lymphedema. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed at a mean of 13 months after operation. The mean transport indexes of the nonoperated limbs and donor limbs were 2.04 and 3.32, respectively. For the donor limbs, all patients had normal distribution pattern of contrast uptake. No dermal backflow pattern was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: With good knowledge of groin anatomy and meticulous surgical skills, VGLN flap can be harvested without causing major consequence to the donor limb.
Authors: Nadeem R Abu-Rustum; Roberto Angioli; Arthur E Bailey; Vance Broach; Alessandro Buda; Michelle R Coriddi; Joseph H Dayan; Michael Frumovitz; Yong Man Kim; Rainer Kimmig; Mario M Leitao; Mustafa Zelal Muallem; Matt McKittrick; Babak Mehrara; Roberto Montera; Lea A Moukarzel; Raj Naik; Silvana Pedra Nobre; Marie Plante; Francesco Plotti; Oliver Zivanovic Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer Date: 2020-03-30 Impact factor: 3.437
Authors: Summer E Hanson; Edward I Chang; Mark V Schaverien; Carrie Chu; Jesse C Selber; Matthew M Hanasono Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2020-03-27