Recent progress in lymphovenous anastomosis

Abstract

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a debilitating disorder affecting an estimated 1 in 5 women and men treated for breast cancer. Fortunately, super microsurgical techniques have advanced in recent years and now provide better options for the treatment of lymphedema, allowing timely surgical intervention that can delay or even prevent lymphatic degeneration. Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), a physiologic procedure that restores lymphatic drainage by connecting functioning lymphatic vessels with nearby veins, has been shown to be both minimally invasive and highly effective. The authors describe innovative approaches to LVA that will help optimize outcomes for patients with BCRL.

Keywords

Lymphovenous anastomosis / lymphedema / super microsurgery

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