BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical treatment for lymphedema is still subject of intensive research. Therefore, it is vital to investigate what significance lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has in this context. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the short- and long-term results as well as the most important factors that can improve outcomes after LVA. METHODS: This study includes a complete data set of 26 patients who received LVA for a therapy-resistant lymphedema. Patients were followed up for an average of 23 months. RESULTS: 50% of the patients reported a subjective improvement. Without conservative treatment after the operation the patients showed significant better results (100% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.030). The localization of lymphedema as well as the region of LVA had a significant influence. In patients with lymphedema affecting the entire leg, symptom improvement was significantly lower (35.3% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.039). Patients who received LVA in an upper limb show a significantly higher improvement in symptoms than patients who received LVA in a lower limb (100% vs. 30%, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: We identified factors with a significant influence on the outcome of patients after receiving LVA. Patients with early-stage upper extremity lymphedema seem to benefit most from this procedure.
BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical treatment for lymphedema is still subject of intensive research. Therefore, it is vital to investigate what significance lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has in this context. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the short- and long-term results as well as the most important factors that can improve outcomes after LVA. METHODS: This study includes a complete data set of 26 patients who received LVA for a therapy-resistant lymphedema. Patients were followed up for an average of 23 months. RESULTS: 50% of the patients reported a subjective improvement. Without conservative treatment after the operation the patients showed significant better results (100% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.030). The localization of lymphedema as well as the region of LVA had a significant influence. In patients with lymphedema affecting the entire leg, symptom improvement was significantly lower (35.3% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.039). Patients who received LVA in an upper limb show a significantly higher improvement in symptoms than patients who received LVA in a lower limb (100% vs. 30%, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: We identified factors with a significant influence on the outcome of patients after receiving LVA. Patients with early-stage upper extremity lymphedema seem to benefit most from this procedure.
Authors: Erik M Verhey; Lyndsay A Kandi; Yeonsoo S Lee; Bryn E Morris; William J Casey; Alanna M Rebecca; Lisa A Marks; Michael A Howard; Chad M Teven Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2022-10-07