Commentary: Lymph-axiality concept awareness reduces trauma-induced lymphedema (commentary on JPRAS-D-20-01255: Lymph-interpositional-flap transfer (LIFT) based on lymph-axiality concept: simultaneous soft tissue and lymphatic reconstruction without lymph node transfer or lymphatic anastomosis)

Abstract

Depending on the stage of secondary lymphedema, surgical treatments can be categorized into reconstructive (e.g., lymphovenous bypass and vascularized lymph nodes transfers 1 Cheng M.H. Chen S.C. Henry S.L. et al. Vascularized groin lymph node flap transfer for postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema: flap anatomy, recipient sites, and outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013; 131: 1286-1298 Google Scholar ) and debulking procedures (e.g., lipoaspiration 2 Brorson H. Svensson H. Liposuction combined with controlled compression therapy reduces arm lymphedema more effectively than controlled compression therapy alone. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998; 102 (discussion 1068): 1058-1067 Google Scholar , modified Charles’ procedures 3 van der Walt J.C. Perks T.J. Zeeman B.J. et al. Modified Charles procedure using negative pressure dressings for primary lymphedema: a functional assessment. Ann Plast Surg. 2009; 62: 669-675 Google Scholar ). Lymph-interpositional-flap transfer (LIFT) based on lymph-axiality concept: Simultaneous soft tissue and lymphatic reconstruction without lymph node transfer or lymphatic anastomosisJournal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic SurgeryVol. 74Issue 10PreviewLymphatic system is important to maintain homeostasis. Lymph-axiality concept has been reported, which suggests possibility of lymphatic reconstruction using flap transfer without lymph node or supermicrosurgical lymphatic anastomosis. Full-Text PDF