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J Reconstr Microsurg 2016; 32(01): 042-049
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1549163
Invited Review
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Single-Site Technique of Multiple Lymphatic–Venous Anastomoses for the Treatment of Peripheral Lymphedema: Long-Term Clinical Outcome

Authors

  • Corrado Cesare Campisi

    1   Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery, Department of Surgery (DISC), IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, IIST National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy

  • Melissa Ryan

    2   Unit of Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery, Department of Surgery (DISC), IST National Institute for Cancer Research, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Genoa, Italy

  • Francesco Boccardo

    2   Unit of Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery, Department of Surgery (DISC), IST National Institute for Cancer Research, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Genoa, Italy

  • Corradino Campisi

    2   Unit of Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery, Department of Surgery (DISC), IST National Institute for Cancer Research, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino, Genoa, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

17 January 2015

04 February 2015

Publication Date:
01 June 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Background The authors' vast surgical experience in the treatment of primary and secondary peripheral lymphedemas using microsurgical procedures at the Centre of Lymphatic Surgery and Microsurgery of the University of Genoa, Italy, is reported. The objective is to describe the techniques and the long-lasting clinical outcomes based on 40 years' experience and research, with particular reference to advanced derivative and reconstructive lymphatic microsurgery at a single site.

Methods More than 2,600 patients affected by upper and/or lower limb lymphedema, between 1973 and 2013, underwent lymphatic microsurgery. Derivative multiple lymphatic–venous anastomoses (MLVA) or lymphatic pathway reconstruction using interpositioned vein-grafted shunts multiple lymphatic venous lymphatic anastomoses (MLVLA) were performed at a single site, either the axillary or inguinal–crural region. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years to over 20 years. Clinical outcomes included excess limb volume (ELV), frequency of dermatolymphangioadenitis (DLA) attacks, and use of conservative therapies.

Results Compared with preoperative conditions, patients obtained significant reductions in ELV of over 84%, with an average follow-up of 10 years or more. Over 86% of patients with earlier stages of disease (stage IB or IIA) progressively stopped using conservative therapies and 42% of patients with later stages (stages IIB and III) decreased the frequency of physical therapies. DLA attacks considerably reduced by over 91%.

Conclusion MLVA or MLVLA techniques when performed at a single site produce excellent outcomes in the treatment of both primary and secondary lymphedemas, giving the possibility of a complete restoration of lymphatic flow in early stages of disease when tissue changes are minimal.

Keywords

peripheral lymphedema - lymphatic microsurgery - multiple lymphatic–venous anastomoses - MLVLA - single-site lymphatic microsurgery