Vascularized lymph node transfer using axilla as recipient site restores lymphatic flow in upper limb lymphedema:Evidence from magnetic resonance lymphangiography

Background:Lymphedema is a debilitating condition that frequently occurs after breast cancer treatment.Vas-cularized lymph node transfer(VLNT)is a promising approach to reduce lymphedema.This study used magnetic resonance lymphangiography(MRL)to assess lymphatic reconnections post-VLNT in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema(BCRL).Methods:The clinical records of six female patients with unilateral upper limb BCRL who underwent VLNT(4 cases)or VLNT combined with breast reconstruction(2 cases)were retrospectively reviewed.All patients were examined using MRL preoperatively and at the 1-year follow-up.The morphological characteristics of the lymphatic network,dermal backflow patterns,and architecture of the lymph nodes were evaluated.Clinical outcomes,patient satisfaction,and complications were assessed.Results:At the 1-year follow-up,reduction in tissue edema and limb circumference was achieved in all six patients.In MRL,the implanted lymph nodes in the axillary region of the affected upper arm were enhanced and visualized in all six patients.Reconnected lymphatic vessels in the subcutaneous tissue associated with the implanted lymph nodes were observed in four patients.Decreased dermal backflow and lymphatic vessel dilation of the affected limbs were observed in all six patients.No disruption of the lymph flow in the donor area was detected.Conclusion:This is the first study to provide direct imaging evidence for the reconnection of afferent lymphatic channels between implanted lymph nodes and the recipient lymphatic system in patients with BCRL.Overall,our study demonstrates the mechanism and efficacy of VLNT in reducing lymphedema.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Complex Decongestive Therapy in the Treatment of Elephantiasis of the Lower Extremities

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of complex decongestive therapy in the treatment of elephantiasis of the lower extremities.Methods Seventeen patients with unilateral lower limb elephantiasis were included in the study(5 with primary lymphedema and 12 with secondary lymphedema).All patients were treated with one course(4 weeks)of complex decongestive therapy.Changes inextracellular fluid(ECF),BMI,circumferences,and skin properties including skin stiffness(SF),percent water content(PWC),and trans-epidermal water loss(TEWL)were measured before and after treatment.Results The“elephantiasis-like”appearance of the affected limb was greatly improved after treatment.The ECF,BMI,and circumferences were significantly decreased after treatment(P<0.001)with an average ECF of 2.97±1.82 L,BMI of 1.638±2.647 kg/m^2,and circumference of 6.58±2.79 cm.The values of PWC,TEWL,and SFwere 50.5%±10.6%,18.55±10.2 g/m^2 h,and 0.161±0.176 N,respectively,before treatment and 36.05%±7%,8.3±2.07 g/m^2h,and 0.086±0.038 N,respectively,after treatment,there by showing significant decreases(P<0.05).Conclusion Complex decongestive therapy is effective in the treatment of advanced stages of chronic lymphedema.