COMBINATION OF LYMPHATICO-VENULAR ANASTOMOSIS AND LIPOSUCTION IN TREATING LYMPHEDEMA

• Conditions: Description of an Effective Surgical Strategy to Treat Cancer Related Lymphedema, a High Incidence Pathology

• Registration Number: NCT04536064
• Lead Sponsor: University of Siena

Brief Summary

* cooperation of an International team with many years of experience in surgical management of lymphedema

* description of an effective surgical strategy to treat cancer-related lymphedema, a high incidence pathology

* the combination of LVA and liposuction guarantees long lasting results

Detailed Description

Cancer-related lymphedema represents one of the major complications of cancer treatment, especially for breast and gynecologic cancers. Moreover, it has high impact on cancer survivors and healthcare systems. Lymphedema management still remains challenging. The better understanding of lymphedema physiopathology as well as the development of sophisticated surgical and diagnostic techniques have led to effective strategies to address lymphedema patients but, despite the considerable interest in international literature, no consensus exist.

The authors present a retrospective analysis of 24 consecutive patients affected by cancer-related lymphedema treated by the combination of LVA and liposuction in the same surgical session. Patients data regarding limb volume, lymphangitis rate and quality of life index were assessed before surgery and 1 year after surgery.

One year after surgery an average volume reduction of 37,9% was registered. Lymphangitis rate significantly decreased after surgery to 0.95 per year. Quality of life score improved.

CONCLUSIONS The combination of LVA and liposuction represents an effective strategy in treating patients with cancer-related lymphedema, ensuring a significant decrease in volume and reduction of lymphangitis rate as well as stable results in time. In addition, it appears to be minimally invasive and well tolerated by patients, since it can be performed under local anesthesia with low risk of complications.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2020-08-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-08-27
• Study First Posted: 2020-09-02
• Status Verified: 2021-02
• Study Start: 2021-02-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-02-22
• Last Update Posted: 2021-02-24
• Primary Completion: 2022-09-01
• Study Completion: 2025-05-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

previous lymphadenectomy

Exclusion Criteria

free from cancer related pathology

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Volume reduction of the limb	one year after surgery	mesurement of volume reduction

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Guido Gabriele; 🇮🇹 Siena, SI, Italy