New surgical treatments for lymphedema are now available. While not a cure for lymphedema, they can help to reduce swelling and improve quality of life. The best treatment for a patient will depend on the severity of their lymphedema and their overall health. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is a minimally invasive procedure that bypasses the damaged lymph nodes and channels lymphatic fluid directly into the veins. This procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and has a short recovery time. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a more complex procedure that involves transplanting a healthy lymph node from another part of the body to the affected area. This procedure is typically done as an inpatient procedure and has a longer recovery time. Liposuction is a procedure that removes the excess fat that can accumulate in lymphedema limbs. This procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other surgical treatments. In this session, a plastic surgeon will review anatomy, techniques, indications, and case studies.
