Seoul National University Bundang Hospital's (SNUBH) lymphedema clinic was selected on Oct. 31 as the first hospital in Korea to receive the Center of Excellence (COE) in surgery designation from the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), an international consortium of lymphedema patients, physicians, therapists, and researchers.

LE&RN, a nonprofit established in the U.S. in 1998, promotes research and education on the lymphatic system and lymphedema-related diseases. The organization leads global efforts to raise awareness about lymphedema and lymphatic disorders while advancing treatments, research, and education. Through its COE program, LE&RN recognizes medical institutions with expertise in lymphatic diseases, research, and clinical treatment.

The lymphedema clinic at SNUBH has performed hundreds of surgeries, including micro-precision procedures such as lymphatic venous anastomosis and lymph node transplantation, and has established infrastructure for personalized lymphedema patient management. 

The center was recognized for conducting Korea's largest primary lymphedema cohort study and was named one of the top three COEs in Asia, alongside Japan's Kameda Medical Center and Taiwan's Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

"Lymphedema, which causes severe swelling in specific parts of the body, significantly impacts patients' mental health and quality of life. Tailored treatments, provided through a multidisciplinary approach and in collaboration with departments such as rehabilitation medicine, are essential," said Professor Myung Yu-jin of the Department of Plastic Surgery at SNUBH.

"With this selection as a LE&RN COE, we will further focus on advancing research and treatments for lymphedema and lymphatic diseases," he added.

Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid accumulates in specific areas of the body due to damage to the lymphatic system, often causing swelling in the legs. It affects over 200 million people worldwide and can be caused by various factors, including cancer surgery that removes lymph nodes, radiation therapy, infections, and trauma, in addition to congenital factors. If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to chronic issues such as soft tissue infections, severe itching, hyperkeratosis, and mental health problems.