COMBINATION OF LYMPHATICO-VENULAR ANASTOMOSIS AND LIPOSUCTION TO TREAT CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA: RATIONALE FOR A REGIONAL APPROACH

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.