Researchers at Asan Medical Center have confirmed that advanced microvascular surgery effectively treats patients with severe lymphedema.
The team, led by Professors Hong Joon-pyo, Seo Hyun-seok, Park Chan-shik, and Jun Jae-yong, concluded so after performing lymphatic venous anastomosis in 42 patients with severe lower extremity lymphedema in the late second to the third stage with remaining lymphatic function.
The research results showed the volume of lymphedema of the lower extremity in all patients decreased by 14 percent on average, 15.2 percent after three months, and 15.5 percent after six months.
After surgery, the team confirmed a significant reduction of lymphedema volume in about 80 percent of patients, demonstrating the therapeutic effect even in patients with severe lymphedema.
Cellulitis, one of the severe complications of lymphedema, occurred on an average of 0.84 cases per year in lymphedema of the legs before surgery, but the surgery decreased the average to 0.07 cases per year, showing reduced risk of cellulitis.
“The results of this study have once again proven the effectiveness of lymphatic venous anastomosis in treating patients with severe lymphedema,” Professor Hong said. “Patients with end-stage lymphedema can improve their quality of life through surgical treatment as the surgery alleviates symptoms.”
Professor Seo also said, “Patients have different edema types, which, in turn, makes treatment options vary for each patient. Therefore, hospitals should determine treatment options through accurate diagnosis with multidisciplinary treatment experts from various fields.”
As the surgery connects minute lymphatic vessels and blood vessels, it is essential to seek treatment from a specialist with sufficient advanced microsurgery experience, he added.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery published the results of the study.