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Cho J, Yoon J, Suh HP, Pak CJ, Hong JP. Further Insight in Selecting the Ideal Vein for Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis: Utilizing the Venturi Effect. Plast Reconstr Surg 2024; 154:673-682. [PMID: 37815284 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000011124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The functional and dilated lymphatic vessel and veins with minimal backflow and pressure are considered ideal for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). How to select the ideal vein remains to be determined. This study aimed to provide further insight into selecting the ideal vein. METHODS This is a retrospective study evaluating 166 limbs with lymphedema with a minimal follow-up period of 12 months. The surgical approach included side-to-end LVA, including 1 group with a non-Venturi LVA and another with a small branch draining into a major vein (Venturi LVA). Preoperative and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative limb volume, circumference, reduction volume, and ratio were evaluated. RESULTS The postoperative volume reduction was significant for both groups when compared with their respective preoperative volume. When compared between the 2 groups, the Venturi LVA had a significantly higher reduction volume and ratio at postoperative 1 month (240.82 ± 260.73 cm³ versus 364.27 ± 364.08 cm³, 6.13 ± 5.62% versus 8.77 ± 6.64%; P < 0.05) and 3 months (289.19 ± 291.42 cm³ versus 432.50 ± 395.04 cm³, 7.31 ± 6.39% versus 10.55 ± 6.88%; P < 0.05) However, the reduction volume and ratio was not significant by months 6 and 12. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further insight into selecting the ideal vein for LVA. By using a small vein draining into the main vein, valves play a role in reducing backflow. Furthermore, the Venturi effect allows significantly enhanced drainage, especially in the initial period after surgery. The effect slowly plateaus after few months, ultimately having a similar outcome of reduction at 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmok Cho
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center
| | - Johyun Yoon
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center
| | - Hyunsuk Peter Suh
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center
| | - Changsik John Pak
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center
| | - Joon Pio Hong
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center
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2
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Li Y, Tang J, Mao D, Dragomir MP, Li Y, Sun K, Lv Z, Liu X, Meng X, Lu K. MRI-CEUS fusion-guided lymphatic mapping as a preoperative strategy for lymphedema patients undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis surgery. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2024; 12:101907. [PMID: 38759752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2024.101907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is useful in mapping lymphatic vessels in upper limb lymphedema; this study was aimed to evaluate its efficiency in lower limb lymphedema and investigate whether magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) enhance the efficiency of CEUS. METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 48 patients with lymphedema undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery who received MRL and/or CEUS in addition to conventional indocyanine green (ICG) lymphangiography. The number of anastomotic sites and the duration per site (DPS) for LVA surgery were described and compared. RESULTS Among the 48 patients subjected to analysis, it was observed that 12 (25%), 20 (41.67%), and 16 (33.33%) of them received ICG, ICG+CEUS, and ICG+CEUS+MRL, respectively. The ICG+CEUS group demonstrated a significant increase in the number of LVAs (median, 5; range, 4-7), compared with the ICG group (median, 2; range, 1-4) (P < .001). Moreover, the ICG+CEUS+MRL group exhibited a higher number of LVAs (median, 8; range, 7-8.25) compared with both the ICG+CEUS and ICG groups (P < .001). For lower limb lymphedema, the ICG+CEUS+MRL group displayed an elevated number of LVAs (median, 8; interquartile range, 7-9) (P = .003), in contrast to the ICG group (median, 3; interquartile range, 1.75-4.25). Furthermore, the DPS in the ICG+CEUS+MRL group (median, 50.56; interquartile range, 48.13-59.29) (P = .005) exhibited a remarkable decrease when compared with the ICG group (median, 131.25; interquartile range, 86.75-198.13]). CONCLUSIONS MRL-CEUS fusion demonstrates superior performance in the identification of lymphatic vessels for lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Li
- Division of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinglan Tang
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dewang Mao
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mihnea P Dragomir
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ying Li
- Division of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kewang Sun
- Division of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenye Lv
- Division of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Division of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuli Meng
- Division of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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Campos JL, Pons G, Al-Sakkaf AM, Lusetti IL, Pires L, Vela FJ, Ramos E, Crisóstomo V, Sánchez-Margallo FM, Abellán E, Masiá J. Lymphatic Regeneration after Popliteal Lymph Node Excision and Implantation of Aligned Nanofibrillar Collagen Scaffolds: An Experimental Rabbit Model. J Funct Biomater 2024; 15:235. [PMID: 39194673 DOI: 10.3390/jfb15080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema presents significant challenges to patients' quality of life, prompting the exploration of innovative treatments, such as collagen scaffolds, aimed at treating and reducing the risk of lymphedema. We aimed to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic efficacy and the lymphangiogenic potential of implanted aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridgeTM) following the induction of secondary lymphedema in a rabbit model. Thirty rabbits were divided into treatment (G1), prevention (G2), and control (G3) groups. Secondary lymphedema was induced in all groups. BioBridgeTM implantation was performed in G2 and G1 on days 0 and 60, respectively. Follow-ups included hindlimb circumference measurements and indocyanine green lymphography at 0, 60, and 90 days. None of the study rabbits exhibited dermal backflow on day 0 before surgery. At 60 days, the incidence rates of dermal backflow in G1, G2, and G3 were 100%, 44.4%, and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, at 90 days, the incidence rates were 22.2%, 44.4%, and 90%, respectively. New linear lymphatic observation was seen in rabbits with resolved dermal backflow. The findings of this study demonstrated the capacity of BioBridgeTM scaffolds to induce new lymphatic vessel formation and reduce dermal backflow in secondary lymphedema in a rabbit model.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Campos
- Department of Microsurgery, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Pons
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ali M Al-Sakkaf
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Laura Lusetti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Pires
- Department of Microsurgery, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Vela
- Department of Microsurgery, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Elena Ramos
- Department of Microsurgery, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Verónica Crisóstomo
- Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Miguel Sánchez-Margallo
- Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Abellán
- Department of Microsurgery, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jaume Masiá
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
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Torres-Guzman RA, Avila FR, Maita K, Garcia JP, Eldaly AS, Sario GDD, Borna S, Gomez-Cabello CA, Pressman SM, Haider SA, Ho OA, Forte AJ. Identification of Potential Factors Associated with Cellulitis Following Lymphovenous Bypass Surgery in Breast Cancer Survivors. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024. [PMID: 39038463 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with around 2.3 million cases diagnosed in 2020. One in five cancer patients develops chronic lymphedema caused by multifactorial triggers and treatment-related factors. This can lead to swelling, skin infections, and limb dysfunction, negatively affecting the patient's quality of life. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the associations between demographic and breast cancer characteristics and postoperative cellulitis in breast cancer survivors who underwent lymphovenous bypass surgery (LVB) at Mayo Clinic, Florida. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review. Data were collected retrospectively from 2016 to 2022. Sixty adult breast cancer survivors who underwent LVB were included in the final analysis based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were excluded if they did not meet the inclusion criteria or had incomplete follow-up data. Demographic and surgical data were extracted, including body mass index (BMI), type of anastomosis, number of anastomoses, and preoperative cellulitis status. Lymphedema measurements were performed using tape measurements. Fisher's exact test was used to determine statistically significant associations between variables and postoperative cellulitis. RESULTS Postoperative cellulitis was more common in patients aged 60 to 69 years (43.2%), whites (75.0%), overweight or obese (90.9%), with one to four anastomoses (81.8%), and nonsmokers (79.5%). The mean International Society of Lymphology (ISL) criteria for both postoperative cellulitis and no postoperative cellulitis was 1.93. Statistically significant associations with postoperative cellulitis were found for the number of anastomoses (p = 0.021), smoking status (p = 0.049), preoperative cellulitis (p = 0.04), and the length of years with lymphedema diagnosis variable (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that a greater number of anastomoses, smoking, preoperative cellulitis, and years with lymphedema are significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative cellulitis. Awareness of these risk factors is crucial for monitoring and early treatment of infections following surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karla Maita
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - John P Garcia
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | | | - Sahar Borna
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | | | - Syed Ali Haider
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Olivia A Ho
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Antonio Jorge Forte
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
- Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Pinheiro de Senna Nogueira Batista B, Chang EIF. Surgical options for lymphedema after gynecological cancer treatment: current trends and advances. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2024; 34:436-446. [PMID: 38438177 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lower leg lymphedema is an important complication after gynecological treatment that can severely affect the quality of life of long-term survivors of these malignancies. As a chronic and progressive disease, affected patients will require life-long therapy centered on compression. Although conventional compressive treatments can be effective, they are extremely burdensome and time-consuming for most patients and adherence is challenging. With advances in the field of reconstructive microsurgery, new procedures have been developed in the past decades to help these patients in their continuous care and have been offered at many oncological centers around the world as a first line of treatment. We performed a PubMed search using the Mesh terms 'Lymphedema/surgery' and 'Lower extremity' yielding a total of 508 articles. Of these, 35 articles were included for analysis. Articles that failed to provide a comprehensive analysis of outcomes following surgical treatment, studies examining treatment for upper limb lymphedema, primary lymphedema, or lower extremity lymphedema resulting from non-gynecologic etiologies, and studies that failed to have a minimum of 6 months follow-up were excluded. A comprehensive review of these 35 articles including over 1200 patients demonstrated large variability on the outcomes reported; however, an overall benefit from these procedures was found. Surgical options including lymphovenous anastomosis, vascularized lymph node transfers, and excisional procedures can be performed in patients with lower leg lymphedema, depending on staging and findings in indocyanine green lymphography. Surgical treatment of lymphedema is an effective option that can improve symptoms and quality of life of patients suffering from lymphedema following gynecologic cancers.
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Kwon JG, Kim Y, Jang MY, Suh HP, Pak CJ, Keeley V, Jeon JY, Hong JP. The Quality of Life after Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in 118 Lower Limb Lymphedema Patients. Arch Plast Surg 2023; 50:514-522. [PMID: 37808336 PMCID: PMC10556310 DOI: 10.1055/a-2117-4478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This is a prospective study on 118 patients who underwent lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) due to secondary lower limb lymphedema between January 2018 and October 2020 to evaluate patients' quality of life (QOL) using the Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema (LYMQoL) questionnaire. Methods The outcome measurement included the LYMQoL leg scoring system tool evaluating the function, appearance, symptom, mood, and overall outcome. In addition, correlation analysis was performed for three factors: based on International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages, disease duration, and amount of volume reduction. Results The LYMQoL tool overall satisfaction score significantly increased at all intervals from 4.4 ± 0.2 preoperative to 6.5 ± 0.3 postoperative at 12 months ( p < 0.001). Significant findings were seen for each domain scores compared preoperatively and at 12 months: function score (18.6 ± 0.5 to 15.4 ± 0.6), appearance score (17.8 ± 0.5 to 16.0 ± 0.6), symptom score (11.8 ± 0.3 to 8.9 ± 0.4), and mood score (14.5 ± 0.4 to 11.4 ± 0.5; p < 0.05). The correlation analysis between improvement of the overall score and the ISL stage ( p = 0.610, correlation coefficient [ r ] = - 0.047), disease duration ( p = 0.659, r = - 0.041), and amount of limb volume reduction ( p = 0.454, r = - 0.070) showed no statistical significance. Conclusion The QOL of secondary lower limb lymphedema patients was significantly improved after LVA regardless of the severity of disease, duration of disease, and amount of volume reduction after LVA. Understanding the patient-reported outcome measurement will help the surgeons to manage and guide the expectations of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Geun Kwon
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongsong Kim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Young Jang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsuk Peter Suh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsik John Pak
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Vaughan Keeley
- Lymphoedema Service, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Jae Yong Jeon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Pio Hong
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Meuli JN, Guiotto M, Elmers J, Mazzolai L, di Summa PG. Outcomes after microsurgical treatment of lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1360-1372. [PMID: 37057889 PMCID: PMC10389392 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsurgical treatment options for lymphedema consist mainly of lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs). There are no standard measurements of the effectiveness of these interventions and reported outcomes vary among studies. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on a structured search in Embase, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane, and ProQuest in October 2020, with an update in February 2022. Firstly, a qualitative summary of the main reported outcomes was performed, followed by a pooled meta-analysis of the three most frequently reported outcomes using a random effects model. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, retrospective cohorts, and cross-sectional and case-control studies that documented outcomes following microsurgery in adult patients were included. Studies of other surgical treatments (liposuction, radical excision, lymphatic vessel transplantation) or without reported outcomes were excluded. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (ID: CRD42020202417). No external funding was received for this review. RESULTS One hundred fifty studies, including 6496 patients, were included in the systematic review. The qualitative analysis highlighted the three most frequently reported outcomes: change in circumference, change in volume, and change in the number of infectious episodes per year. The overall pooled change in excess circumference across 29 studies, including 1002 patients, was -35.6% [95% CI: -30.8 to -40.3]. The overall pooled change in excess volume across 12 studies including 587 patients was -32.7% [95% CI: -19.8 to -45.6], and the overall pooled change in the number of cutaneous infections episodes per year across 8 studies including 248 patients was -1.9 [95% CI: -1.4 to -2.3]. The vast majority of the studies included were case series and cohorts, which were intrinsically exposed to a risk of selection bias. CONCLUSION The currently available evidence supports LVA and vascularized lymph node transfers as effective treatments to reduce the severity of secondary lymphedema. Standardization of staging method, outcomes measurements, and reporting is paramount in future research in order to allow comparability across studies and pooling of results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucia Mazzolai
- Angiology Division, Heart and Vessel Department, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Son WC, Kwon JG, Hong JP, Park CS, Kim SA, Do JH, Cheon H, Gelvosa MN, Suh HS, Jeon JY. Clinical Utility of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Parameters for Evaluating Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema after Lymphovenous Anastomosis. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39:171-178. [PMID: 35817050 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In lymphedema, lymphatic fluid accumulates in the interstitial space, and localized swelling appears. Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is the most widely used surgery to rebuild a damaged lymphatic system; however, assessing outcome of LVA involves performing volume measurements, which provides limited information on body composition changes. Therefore, we analyzed the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters that can reflect the status of lymphedema patients who underwent LVA. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed records of 42 patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema who had LVA. We measured the perioperative BIA parameters such as extracellular water (ECW) ratio and volume as defined by the percentage of excess volume (PEV). We evaluated the relationship between the amount of change in PEV and in BIA parameters before and after surgery. We confirmed the correlation between ΔPEV and BIA parameters using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS Most patients included had secondary lymphedema due to cancer. Average age was 51.76 years and average body mass index was 23.27. PEV and all BIA parameters after surgery showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) compared with preoperative measurements. The ECW ratio aff/unaff showed the strongest correlation with PEV with a correlation coefficient of 0.473 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that BIA parameters, especially ECW ratio aff/unaff could reflect the status of patients with lower limb lymphedema after LVA. Appropriate use of BIA parameters may be useful in the postoperative surveillance of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Chul Son
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Geun Kwon
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Pio Hong
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Sik Park
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Ah Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Do
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwayeong Cheon
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ma Nessa Gelvosa
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Suh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yong Jeon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Kim HB, Jung SS, Cho MJ, Peirera N, Pak CJ, Suh PHS, Lee SH, Hong JP. Comparative Analysis of Preoperative High Frequency Color Doppler Ultrasound versus MR Lymphangiography versus ICG Lymphography of Lymphatic Vessels in Lymphovenous Anastomosis. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39:92-101. [PMID: 35426085 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1745745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the extensive use of various imaging modalities, there is limited literature on comparing the reliability between indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, MR Lymphangiogram (MRL), and high frequency color Doppler ultrasound (HFCDU) to identify lymphatic vessels. METHOD In this study of 124 patients, the correlation between preoperative image findings to the actual lymphatic vessel leading to lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and simple detection were calculated. Subgroup analysis was also performed according to the severity of lymphedema. RESULTS Total of 328 LVAs were performed. The HFCDU overall had significantly higher sensitivity for identifying lymphatic vessels (99%) over MRL (83.5%) and ICG lymphography (82.3%)(p < 0.0001). Both ICG lymphography and HFCDU had 100% specificity and PPV. The NPV was 3.6%, 6.5% and 57.1% respectively for MRL, ICG lymphography, and HFCDU. All modalities showed high sensitivity for early stage 2 lymphedema while HFCDU showed a significantly higher sensitivity for late stage 2 (MRL:79.7%, ICG:83.1%, HFCDU:97%) and stage 3 (MRL:79.7%, ICG:79.7%, HFCDU:100%) over the other two modalities (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated while all three modalities are able to provide good information, the sensitivity may alter as the severity of lymphedema progresses. The HFCDU will provide the best detection for lymphatic vessels throughout all stages of lymphedema. However, as each modality provides different and unique information, combining and evaluating the data according to the stage of lymphedema will be able to maximize the chance for a successful surgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Bae Kim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Jung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Cho
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nicolas Peirera
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Hospital del Trabajador, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Changsik John Pak
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Peter Hyun Suk Suh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Lee
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan
| | - Joon Pio Hong
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Verhey EM, Kandi LA, Lee YS, Morris BE, Casey WJ, Rebecca AM, Marks LA, Howard MA, Teven CM. Outcomes of Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2022; 10:e4529. [PMID: 36225843 PMCID: PMC9542573 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is a microsurgical treatment for lymphedema of the lower extremity (LEL). This study systematically reviews the most recent data on outcomes of various LVA techniques for LEL in diverse patients. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus databases to extract articles published through June 2021. Studies reporting data on objective postoperative improvement in lymphedema and/or subjective improvement in quality of life for patients with LEL were included. Extracted data comprised demographics, number of patients and lower limbs, duration of symptoms before LVA, surgical technique, duration of follow-up, and objective and subjective outcomes. RESULTS A total of 303 articles were identified and evaluated, of which 74 were ultimately deemed eligible for inclusion in this study, representing 6260 patients and 2554 lower limbs. The average patient age ranged from 22.6 to 76.14 years. The duration of lymphedema before LVA ranged from 12 months to 11.4 years. Objective rates of improvement in lymphedema ranged from 23.3% to 100%, with the greatest degree of improvement seen in patients with early-stage LEL. CONCLUSIONS LVA is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of LEL of all stages. Several emerging techniques and variations may lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik M. Verhey
- From the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Lyndsay A. Kandi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - Yeonsoo S. Lee
- From the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Bryn E. Morris
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - William J. Casey
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - Alanna M. Rebecca
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
| | - Lisa A. Marks
- Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Michael A. Howard
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Chad M. Teven
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
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11
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Winaikosol K, Surakunprapha P. Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis: Superficial Venous Anatomical Approach. Arch Plast Surg 2022; 49:689-695. [PMID: 36159382 PMCID: PMC9507617 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is an effective, functional treatment for limb lymphedema. This study reports an alternative surgical approach to lymphedema treatment without the use of indocyanine green mapping.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 29 consecutive lymphedema patients who underwent LVAs from January 2015 to December 2020, whereby incisions were made along the anatomy of the superficial venous systems in both upper and lower extremities around the joint areas. The evaluation included qualitative assessments and quantitative volumetric analyses.
Result
The mean number of anastomoses was 3.07, and the operative time was 159.55 minutes. Symptom improvement was recorded in 86.21% of the patients, with a mean volume reduction of 32.39%. The lymphangitis episodes decreased from 55.17% before surgery to 13.79% after surgery, and the median number of lymphangitis episodes per year decreased from 1 before surgery to 0 after surgery.
Conclusions
The superficial venous anatomical approach is an easy way to start a lymphedema practice using LVA without other advanced surgical equipment. With this reliable technique, microsurgeons can perform LVA procedures and achieve good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengkart Winaikosol
- Plastic and Reconstructive Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Palakorn Surakunprapha
- Plastic and Reconstructive Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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12
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Chang EI. Optimizing Treatment of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Using Combined DIEP Flap and Lymphedema Surgery. Arch Plast Surg 2022; 49:150-157. [PMID: 35832680 PMCID: PMC9045539 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer who undergo an axillary dissection and require adjuvant therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy are at high risk of developing lymphedema of the associated extremity. Historically, patients with lymphedema were treated with ablative procedures aimed simply to remove excess fluid and adiposity; however, the field of lymphatic surgery employing super-microsurgery techniques has witnessed tremendous advances in a relatively short period of time. Advancements in surgical instruments, microscope magnification and optics, imaging technology, and surgeon experience have ushered in a new era of hope to treat patients suffering from breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL). Here we aim to present the available options for patients suffering from BCRL, and the pinnacle in reconstruction and restoration for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward I. Chang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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13
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Mohos B, Czedik-Eysenberg M, Steinbacher J, Tinhofer I, Meng S, Tzou CHJ. Long-term Use of Ultrasound for Locating Optimal LVA Sites: A Descriptive Data Analysis. J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 38:238-244. [PMID: 34820800 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preoperative mapping of lymphatic vessels for lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery is frequently performed by indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography solely; however, other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound (US), might be more efficient, particularly for Caucasian patients. We present our preoperative assessment protocol, experience, and approach of using US for locating optimal LVA sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-six (16 males) lymphedema patients who underwent LVA surgery were included in this study, 5 of whom received two LVA operations. In total, 61 LVA procedures with 233 dissected lymphatic vessels were evaluated. Preoperative US was performed by the author S.M. 2 days before intraoperative ICG lymphography. Fluid-predominant lymphedema regions were scanned more profoundly. Skin incisions followed preoperative US and ICG lymphography markings. Detection of lymphatic vessels was compared between ICG lymphography and the US by using the intraoperative verification under the microscope with 20 to 50x magnification as the reference standard. RESULTS Among the dissected lymphatic vessels, 83.3% could be localized by US, and 70% were detectable exclusively by it. In all, 7.2% of US-detected lymphatic vessels could not be found and verified intraoperatively. Among the lymphatic vessels found by US, only 16% were apparent with ICG before skin incision. In total, 23.2% of the dissected lymphatic vessels could be visualized with ICG lymphography preoperatively. Only 9.9% of the lymphatic vessels could be found by ICG alone. CONCLUSION High-frequency US mapping accurately finds functional lymphatic vessels and matching veins. It locates fluid-predominant regions for targeted LVA surgeries. It reveals 3.6 times as many lymphatic vessels as ICG lymphography. In our practice, it has an integral role in planning LVA procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Mohos
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of Divine Savior (Krankenhaus Goettlicher Heiland Wien), Vienna, Austria
| | - Manon Czedik-Eysenberg
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of Divine Savior (Krankenhaus Goettlicher Heiland Wien), Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Steinbacher
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of Divine Savior (Krankenhaus Goettlicher Heiland Wien), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ines Tinhofer
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of Divine Savior (Krankenhaus Goettlicher Heiland Wien), Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Meng
- Department of Radiology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chieh-Han John Tzou
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of Divine Savior (Krankenhaus Goettlicher Heiland Wien), Vienna, Austria.,Medical Faculty, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria.,TZOU MEDICAL, Lymphedema Center, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Bianchi A, Salgarello M, Hayashi A, Yang JCS, Visconti G. Recipient Venule Selection and Anastomosis Configuration for Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis in Extremity Lymphedema: Algorithm Based on 1,000 Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis. J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 38:472-480. [PMID: 34583393 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has three components, lymphatics, venules, and anastomosis, and all of them influence the anastomotic pressure gradient. Although it has been demonstrated that venule flow dynamics has an independent impact on the outcomes regardless the degeneration status of lymphatic vessels, recipient venules (RV) have been mainly neglected in literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 2016 to February 2020, 232 nonconsecutive patients affected by extremity lymphedema underwent LVA, for a total of 1,000 LVAs. Only patients with normal-to-ectasic lymphatic collectors were included to focus the evaluation on the RV only. The preoperative collected data included the location, diameter, and continence of the selected venules, the expected number, the anastomoses configuration, and their flow dynamics according to BSO classification. RESULTS The 232 patients included 117 upper limb lymphedema (ULL) and 115 lower limb lymphedema (LLL). The average size of RV was 0.81 ± 0.32 mm in end-to-end (E-E), 114 ± 0.17 mm in end-to-side (E-S), 0.39 ± 0.22 mm in side-to-end (S-E), and 0.76 ± 0.38 mm in side-to-side (S-S) anastomoses. According to the BSO classification, on a total of 732 RV, 105(14%) were backflow venules, 136 (19%) were slack, and 491 (67%) were outlet venules. Also, 824 (82%) were E-E, 107 (11%) were E-S, 51 (5%) were S-E, and 18 (2%) were S-S anastomoses. CONCLUSION Based on 1,000 LVAs with similar lymphatic characteristics, we propose our algorithm that may aid the lymphatic microsurgeon in the selection of RV and the consequent anastomosis configuration, in order of obtain the best flow dynamic through the LVA. This therapeutic study reflects level of evidence IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bianchi
- Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del "Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Salgarello
- Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del "Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Akitatsu Hayashi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Lymphedema Clinic, Kameda Medical Centre, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Johnson C-S Yang
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Lymphedema Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Niaosong District, Taiwan
| | - Giuseppe Visconti
- Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del "Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
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15
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Gupta N, Verhey EM, Torres-Guzman RA, Avila FR, Jorge Forte A, Rebecca AM, Teven CM. Outcomes of Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3770. [PMID: 34476159 PMCID: PMC8386908 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is an accepted microsurgical treatment for lymphedema of the upper extremity (UE). This study summarizes and analyzes recent data on the outcomes associated with LVA for UE lymphedema at varying degrees of severity. METHODS A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database to extract articles published through June 19, 2020. Studies reporting data on postoperative improvement in limb circumference/volume or subjective improvement in quality of life for patients with primary or secondary lymphedema of the UE were included. Extracted data consisted of demographic data, number of patients and upper limbs, duration of symptoms before LVA, surgical technique, follow-up, and objective and subjective outcomes. RESULTS A total of 92 articles were identified, of which 16 studies were eligible for final inclusion comprising a total of 349 patients and 244 upper limbs. The average age of patients ranged from 38.4 to 64 years. The duration of lymphedema before LVA ranged from 9 months to 7 years. The mean length of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Fourteen studies reported an objective improvement in limb circumference or volume measurements following LVA, ranging from 0% to 100%. Patients included had varying severity of lymphedema, ranging from Campisi stage I to IV. The maximal improvement in objective measurements was found in patients with lower stage lymphedema. CONCLUSION LVA is a safe, effective technique for the treatment of UE lymphedema refractory to decompressive treatment. Results of LVA indicate greater efficacy in earlier stages of lymphedema before advanced lymphatic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Gupta
- From the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Ariz
| | - Erik M. Verhey
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Ind
| | - Ricardo A. Torres-Guzman
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla
| | - Francisco R. Avila
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla
| | - Antonio Jorge Forte
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla
| | - Alanna M. Rebecca
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla
| | - Chad M. Teven
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz
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16
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Reitano E, de'Angelis N, Schembari E, Carrà MC, Francone E, Gentilli S, La Greca G. Learning curve for laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not been defined: A systematic review. ANZ J Surg 2021; 91:E554-E560. [PMID: 34180567 PMCID: PMC8518700 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most performed surgeries worldwide but its learning curve is still unclear. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched the literature in a systematic manner through online databases, including Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. Human studies investigating the learning curve of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale for cohort studies and the GRADE scale were used for the quality assessment of the selected articles. Results Nine cohort studies published between 1991 and 2020 were included. All studies showed a great heterogeneity among the considered variables. Seven articles (77.7%) assessed intraoperative variables only, without considering patient's characteristics, operator's experience, and grade of gallbladder inflammation. Only five articles (55%) provided a precise cut‐off value to see proficiency in the learning curve, ranging from 13 to 200 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Conclusions The lack of clear guidelines when evaluating the learning curve in surgery, probably contributed to the divergent data and heterogeneous results among the studies. The development of guidelines for the investigation and reporting of a surgical learning curve would be helpful to obtain more objective and reliable data especially for common operation such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Reitano
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Translational Medicine, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicola de'Angelis
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, "F. Miulli" Regional General Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA), Italy
| | - Elena Schembari
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Clotilde Carrà
- Department of Odontology, Rothschild University Hospital, Paris, France.,University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Francone
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Health Science, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Sergio Gentilli
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Health Science, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Gaetano La Greca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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17
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Moon KC, Kim HK, Lee TY, You HJ, Kim DW. Vascularized lymph node transfer for surgical treatments of upper versus lower extremity lymphedema. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 10:170-178. [PMID: 34091105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes after vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) for the treatment of lymphedema performed on the upper and lower extremities. METHODS Between April 2015 and January 2020, 71 patients with advanced-stage lymphedema, categorized as International Society of Lymphology late stage 2 or 3, who underwent VLNT in upper and lower extremities were included in this study. Thirty-seven and 34 patients underwent VLNT in upper and lower extremities, respectively. The circumference of the affected and unaffected extremities was measured at baseline, follow-up visits, and at the last visit. The circumference was measured in six places on the extremities, and the circumference and volume percent differences between the affected and unaffected extremities were calculated. First, we compared preoperative and postoperative extremity circumferences in the overall, upper, and lower extremity groups. Second, we compared circumference and volume percent differences between the affected and unaffected extremities calculated at the last visit to identify the degree of improvement by VLNT in the upper and lower extremity groups. RESULTS The results of the comparative analysis between the preoperative and postoperative extremity circumferences showed that all postoperative extremity circumferences measured at the last visit were decreased compared with the preoperative values in the overall, upper, and lower extremity groups. In the upper extremity group, the circumference percent difference measured at the elbow was 23.1% before surgery and decreased to 13.4% at the last visit (P < .001). In the lower extremity group, the circumference percent difference measured at the knee was 24.4% before surgery and decreased to 17.4% at the last visit (P = .003). In the results of comparative analysis between the upper and lower extremity groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative circumference percent differences at the elbow/knee calculated at the last visit (P = .048). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences in circumference percent differences in two of six measurement sites at the last visit between the upper and lower extremity groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the volume percent difference calculated at the last visit between the upper and lower extremity groups. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that VLNT may be effective in treating patients with advanced-stage lymphedema. However, patients with upper extremity lymphedema demonstrate superior outcomes compared with those with lower extremity lymphedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Chul Moon
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Kyu Kim
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-Yul Lee
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hi-Jin You
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Deok-Woo Kim
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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18
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Kim SB, Moon KC. Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in advanced-stage upper extremity lymphedema: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25872. [PMID: 34011053 PMCID: PMC8137099 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Despite significant advances in microsurgical techniques, simultaneous release of transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgeries may be effective for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and advanced-stage lymphedema. This case report describes the successful treatment of lymphedema with LVA in a patient with CTS and advanced-stage lymphedema. PATIENT CONCERNS A 60-year-old female patient was referred to our lymphedema clinic with a 12-year history of chronic, acquired, right upper extremity lymphedema and CTS following right mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for treating breast cancer. DIAGNOSIS According to the indocyanine green lymphography, magnetic resonance lymphangiography, and electromyography, the patient was diagnosed with CTS and advanced-stage lymphedema (International Society of Lymphology late stage 2). INTERVENTION Release of the TCL was performed first, followed by LVA at the wrist, forearm, and antecubital area. The right arm was compressed and elevated immediately postoperatively and postoperative compression bandage therapy with 35 to 40 mm Hg pressure was instituted following surgery. OUTCOMES After 2 simultaneous surgeries, the patient had significant circumference and volume reduction of the right hand. The CTS and lymphedema symptoms have decreased following synchronous TCL release and LVA surgeries. LESSONS Simultaneous LVA and release of the TCL may be effective and safe in patients with advanced lymphedema and CTS.
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19
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Patient-specific surgical options for breast cancer-related lymphedema: technical tips. Arch Plast Surg 2021; 48:246-253. [PMID: 34024068 PMCID: PMC8143939 DOI: 10.5999/aps.2020.02432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to provide a physiological solution for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), the surgeon must understand where and how the pathology of lymphedema occurred. Based on each patient's pathology, the treatment plan should be carefully decided and individualized. At the authors' institution, the treatment plan is made individually based on each patient's symptoms and relative factors. Most early-stage patients first undergo decongestive therapy and then, depending on the efficacy of the treatment, a surgical approach is suggested. If the patient is indicated for surgery, all the points of lymphatic flow obstruction are carefully examined. Thus a BCRL patient can be considered for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), a lymph node flap, scar resection, or a combination thereof. LVA targets ectatic superficial collecting lymphatics, which are located within the deep fat layer, and preoperative mapping using ultrasonography is critical. If there is contracture on the axilla, axillary scar removal is indicated to relieve the vein pressure and allow better drainage. Furthermore, removing the scars and reconstructing the fat layer will allow a better chance for the lymphatics to regenerate. After complete removal of scar tissue, a regional fat flap or a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with lymph node transfer is performed. By deciding the surgical planning for BCRL based on each patient's pathophysiology, optimal outcomes can be achieved. Depending on each patient's pathophysiology, LVA, scar removal, vascularized lymph node transfer with a sufficient adipocutaneous flap, and simultaneous breast reconstruction should be planned.
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20
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Moon KC, Yoon IJ. Treatment of end-stage lymphedema following radiotherapy for lymphoma: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25871. [PMID: 34106638 PMCID: PMC8133268 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE : Despite significant advances in microsurgical techniques, simultaneous vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgeries may be effective for treatment of end-stage lymphedema. This case report describes the successful treatment of end-stage lymphedema with VLNT and LVA. PATIENT CONCERNS A 72-year-old patient with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema was referred to our lymphedema clinic. This patient had a history of lymphoma and treated with radiotherapy on right inguinal area 26 years ago. Interestingly, the patient developed lymphedema on both the right and left lower extremities although she had radiotherapy on her right inguinal area. DIAGNOSIS According to the indocyanine green lymphography, lymphoscintigraphy, and magnetic resonance lymphangiography, the patient was diagnosed with end-stage lymphedema (International Society of Lymphology stage 3). INTERVENTION The patient underwent simultaneous VLNT and LVA for treatment of end-stage lymphedema. OUTCOMES Significant reduction in circumference and volume of lower extremity was achieved following simultaneous VLNT and LVA. LESSONS Simultaneous VLNT and LVA surgeries may be effective in patients with end-stage lymphedema.
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21
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Changing the Paradigm: Lymphovenous Anastomosis in Advanced Stage Lower Extremity Lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:199-207. [PMID: 33009330 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000007507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, lymphovenous anastomosis is not routinely performed in patients with advanced stage lymphedema because of difficulty with identifying functioning lymphatics. This study presents the use of duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance lymphangiography to identify functional lymphatics and reports the clinical outcome of lymphovenous anastomosis in advanced stage lower extremity lymphedema patients. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 42 patients (50 lower limbs) with advanced lymphedema (late stage 2 or 3) that underwent functional lymphovenous anastomoses. Functional lymphatic vessels were identified preoperatively using magnetic resonance lymphangiography and duplex ultrasound. RESULTS An average of 4.64 lymphovenous anastomoses were performed per limb using the lymphatics located in the deep fat underneath the superficial fascia. The average diameter of lymphatic vessels was 0.61 mm (range, 0.35 to 1 mm). The average limb volume was reduced 14.0 percent postoperatively, followed by 15.2 percent after 3 months, and 15.5 percent after 6 months and 1 year (p < 0.001). For patients with unilateral lymphedema, 32.4 percent had less than 10 percent volume excess compared to the contralateral side postoperatively, whereas 20.5 percent had more than 20 percent volume excess. The incidence of cellulitis decreased from 0.84 per year to 0.07 per year after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study shows that functioning lymphatic vessels can be identified preoperatively using ultrasound and magnetic resonance lymphangiography; thus, lymphovenous anastomoses can effectively reduce the volume of the limb and improve subjective symptoms in patients with advanced stage lymphedema of the lower extremity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, IV.
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22
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Brahma B, Putri RI, Reuwpassa JO, Tuti Y, Alifian MF, Sofyan RF, Iskandar I, Yamamoto T. Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis in Breast Cancer Treatment-Related Lymphedema: A Short-Term Clinicopathological Analysis from Indonesia. J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 37:643-654. [PMID: 33648010 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced breast cancer is commonly found in Indonesia. In this group of patients, aggressive treatment such as axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND) with or without regional nodal irradiation (RNI) will increase the risk of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) in our patients. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) has been established as a minimally invasive approach in lymphedema surgery. In this study, we report our first experience of LVAs in BCRL patients. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study taken from breast cancer patients receiving ALND with or without RNI. From December 2018 until June 2020, we collected and described general patient information, tumor characteristics, diagnostic methods, and the outcome of LVA. Postoperative subjective symptoms scores (lymphedema quality-of-life score [LeQOLiS]) and lymphedematous volume (upper extremity lymphedema [UEL] index) were compared with preoperative ones. RESULTS Seventy patients experienced BCRL with the mean age of 54.8 (9.4) years and mean body mass index of 28.1 (4.5). ALND was performed in 66 (97.1%) cases and RNI was given in 58 (82.9%) patients. Thirty-one (44.3%) patients were in the International Society of Lymphology stage 1, 24 (34.3%) in stage 2A, and 15 (21.4%) in stage 2B. The mean lymphatic vessel diameter was 0.5 (0.26) mm and 0.80 (0.54) mm for the vein. Lymphosclerosis severity was 7 (4%) in S0 type, 129 (74.1%) in S1 type, 37 (21.3%) in S2 type, and 1 (0.6%) in S3 type. In histopathology examination, S1 types were in lower grade injury, while S2 and S3 types were in the higher grade. Seven (53.8%) cases of S2 type showed severe fibrosis from trichrome staining. Postoperative LeQOLiSs were significantly lower than preoperative ones (5.6 ± 2.4 vs. 3.7 ± 2.6; p = 0.000). With the mean follow-up of 7.4 (3.7) months, the overall UEL index reduction was 9.2%; mean -11 (16.8). Postoperative UEL index was significantly lower than preoperative ones (117.7 ± 26.5 vs. 106.9 ± 18.5; p = 0.000). No complications were observed during this period. CONCLUSION LVA reduced the subjective symptoms and UEL index in BCRL cases. Future studies using updated imaging technologies of the lymphatic system and longer follow-up time are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayu Brahma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rizky Ifandriani Putri
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Jauhari Oka Reuwpassa
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yustia Tuti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Farid Alifian
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rian Fabian Sofyan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Iskandar Iskandar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Takumi Yamamoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Supermicrosurgery is defined as microsurgery working on vessels less than 0.8 mm, allowing applications in smaller-dimension microsurgery, such as lymphedema, minimal invasive reconstruction, small parts replantation, and application of perforator as recipient. To accommodate this technique, developments and use of finer instruments, smaller sutures, new diagnostic tools, and higher-magnification microscopes have been made. Although supermicrosurgery has evolved naturally from microsurgery, it has developed into a unique field based on different thinking and tools to solve problems that once were difficult to solve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Pio Hong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, 88 Olympicro 43 gil, Songpagu, Seoul 05505, Korea.
| | - Changsik John Pak
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, 88 Olympicro 43 gil, Songpagu, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Hyunsuk Peter Suh
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, 88 Olympicro 43 gil, Songpagu, Seoul 05505, Korea
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Shaffer K, Cakmakoglu C, Schwarz GS, ElSherif A, Al-Hilli Z, Djohan R, Radford DM, Grobmyer S, Bernard S, Moreira A, Fanning A, Tu C, Valente SA. Lymphedema Prevention Surgery: Improved Operating Efficiency Over Time. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 27:4695-4701. [PMID: 32720042 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08890-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphedema prevention surgery (LPS), which identifies, preserves, and restores lymphatic flow via lymphaticovenous bypasses (LVB), has demonstrated potential to decrease lymphedema in breast cancer patients requiring axillary lymph node dissection. Implementing this new operating technique requires additional operating room (OR) time and coordination. This study sought to evaluate the improvement of LPS technique and OR duration over time. METHODS A prospective database of patients who underwent LPS at our institution from 2016 to 2019 was queried. Type of breast and reconstruction surgery, number of LVB performed, and OR times were collected. LPS details were compared by surgical group and year performed. RESULTS Ninety-four patients underwent LPS, and 88 had complete OR time data available for analysis. Average age was 51 years, body mass index of 28, with an average of 15 lymph nodes removed. Reconstructive treatment groups included prosthetic reconstruction 56% (49), oncoplastic reduction 10% (9), and no reconstruction 34% (30). The number of patients undergoing LPS increased significantly from 2016 to 2019, and average number of LVB per patient doubled. In patients without reconstruction, the average time for LPS improved significantly from 212 to 87 min from 2016 to 2019 (p = 0.015) and similarly in patients undergoing LPS with prosthetic reconstruction from 238 to 160 min (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS LVB is an emerging surgical lymphedema prevention technique. While requiring additional surgical time, our results show that with refinement of technique, over 4 years, we were able to perform double the number of LVB per patient in half the OR time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Shaffer
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Cagri Cakmakoglu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Graham S Schwarz
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ayat ElSherif
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Zahraa Al-Hilli
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Risal Djohan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Diane M Radford
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Stephen Grobmyer
- Oncology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Steven Bernard
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Moreira
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alicia Fanning
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Chao Tu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie A Valente
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Yasunaga Y, Yanagisawa D, Nakajima Y, Mimura S, Kobayashi M, Yuzuriha S, Kondoh S. Water Reductive Effect of Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis on Upper-Limb Lymphedema: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Comparison with Lower-Limb Lymphedema. J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 36:660-666. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground We previously examined the water reductive effect of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurement on lower-limb lymphedema and revealed mean water volume reduction and edema reduction rate by leg LVA to be 0.86 L and 45.1%, respectively. This study aimed to clarify the water reductive effect of LVA on arm lymphedema and compare its results with those for leg lymphedema.Patients and Methods The efficacy of LVA for unilateral arm lymphedema was evaluated using BIA in a retrospective cohort. Limb circumference and arm body water volume (ABW) of the affected and unaffected arms were measured before and after LVA. Mean water volume reduction (ΔABW) and edema reduction rate by arm LVA were compared with values for leg LVA cited from our previous report as a historical control.Results Nineteen consecutive patients were enrolled. The mean ΔABW and edema reduction rate by BIA were 0.267 L and 46.0%, respectively. The decreasing rate of ABW by BIA was significantly larger than those of the upper extremity lymphedema index and sum of 5 circumferences measurement methods. ΔABW could be predicted by a regression line based on the preoperative water volume difference between affected and unaffected limbs. The mean edema reduction rates for arm and leg LVA were comparable.Conclusion The water reductive effect of LVA on upper-limb lymphedema was demonstrated by BIA assessment. BIA can reflect the effect of LVA more sensitively than conventional objective measurements and may facilitate the interpretation of LVA results. Although water volume reduction by arm LVA was less than that by leg LVA, the edema reduction rates were comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshichika Yasunaga
- Division of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yanagisawa
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakajima
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shinei Mimura
- Division of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
| | - Miharu Kobayashi
- Division of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yuzuriha
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shoji Kondoh
- Division of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan
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Forte AJ, Sisti A, Huayllani MT, Boczar D, Cinotto G, Ciudad P, Manrique OJ, Lu X, McLaughlin S. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis for breast cancer-related upper extremity lymphedema: a literature review. Gland Surg 2020; 9:539-544. [PMID: 32420289 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2020.03.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a long-term condition that affects almost half of breast cancer survivors. Clinical studies have looked at the benefits of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) for the treatment of upper extremities lymphedema after breast cancer, however, there is still controversy if it improves lymphedema. This study aimed to analyze the studies and outcomes related to LVA for breast cancer-related lymphedema. A PubMed/Medline search was performed using "lymphovenous bypass", "upper extremity lymphedema", "arm lymphedema after breast cancer treatment", and "lymphaticovenular anastomosis" as key words. Only English articles reporting outcomes after LVA were included. We found 22 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Positive outcomes were found in 21 studies with an objective volume reduction and subjective symptoms relief after LVA. This literature review concluded that LVA has demonstrated a significant decrease in upper extremity volumes and an improvement in subjectively reporting symptoms in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Forte
- Division of Plastic Surgery Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Sisti
- Division of Plastic Surgery Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Daniel Boczar
- Division of Plastic Surgery Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Pedro Ciudad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Oscar J Manrique
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Xiaona Lu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Forte AJ, Khan N, Huayllani MT, Boczar D, Saleem HY, Lu X, Manrique OJ, Ciudad P, McLaughlin SA. Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis for Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. Indian J Plast Surg 2020; 53:17-24. [PMID: 32367914 PMCID: PMC7192660 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial spaces resulting from impairment in the lymphatic circulation that can impair quality of life and cause considerable morbidity. Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) has an overall incidence rate of 20%. Conservative therapies are the first step in treatment of LEL; however, they do not provide a cure because they fail to address the underlying physiologic dysfunction of the lymphatic system. Among several surgical alternatives, lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) has gained popularity due to its improved outcomes and less invasive approach. This study aims to review the published literature on LVA for LEL treatment and to analyze the surgical outcomes. Methods PubMed database was used to perform a comprehensive literature review of all articles describing LVA for treatment of LEL from Novemeber 1985 to June 2019. Search terms included "lymphovenous" OR "lymphaticovenous" AND "bypass" OR "anastomosis" OR "shunt" AND "lower extremity lymphedema." Results A total of 95 articles were identified in the initial query, out of which 58 individual articles were deemed eligible. The studies included in this review describe notable variations in surgical techniques, number of anastomoses, and supplementary interventions. All, except one study, reported positive outcomes based on limb circumference and volume changes or subjective clinical improvement. The largest reduction rate in limb circumference and volume was 63.8%. Conclusion LVA demonstrated a considerable reduction in limb volume and improvement in subjective findings of lymphedema in the majority of patients. The maintained effectiveness of this treatment modality in long-term follow-up suggests great efficacy of LVA in LEL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Forte
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | | | - Maria T. Huayllani
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Daniel Boczar
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Humza Y. Saleem
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Xiaona Lu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Oscar J. Manrique
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Pedro Ciudad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru
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28
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Klingelhoefer E, Hesse K, Taeger CD, Prantl L, Stepniewski A, Felmerer G. Factors affecting outcomes after supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis in a defined patient population. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2020; 73:53-63. [PMID: 31561341 DOI: 10.3233/ch-199213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal surgical treatment for lymphedema is still subject of intensive research. Therefore, it is vital to investigate what significance lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has in this context. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the short- and long-term results as well as the most important factors that can improve outcomes after LVA. METHODS This study includes a complete data set of 26 patients who received LVA for a therapy-resistant lymphedema. Patients were followed up for an average of 23 months. RESULTS 50% of the patients reported a subjective improvement. Without conservative treatment after the operation the patients showed significant better results (100% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.030). The localization of lymphedema as well as the region of LVA had a significant influence. In patients with lymphedema affecting the entire leg, symptom improvement was significantly lower (35.3% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.039). Patients who received LVA in an upper limb show a significantly higher improvement in symptoms than patients who received LVA in a lower limb (100% vs. 30%, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS We identified factors with a significant influence on the outcome of patients after receiving LVA. Patients with early-stage upper extremity lymphedema seem to benefit most from this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Klingelhoefer
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Karl Hesse
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian D Taeger
- Department of Plastic, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adam Stepniewski
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gunther Felmerer
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
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29
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Augmented Reality Microsurgical Planning with a Smartphone for Lymphovenous Anastomosis. Plast Reconstr Surg 2019; 144:955e-956e. [PMID: 31425427 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000006191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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