Lymphedema Management.

Abstract

Lymphedema is a common, chronic, and debilitating condition affecting up to 250 million people worldwide. In the Western world, lymphedema predominantly occurs as a sequelae of the treatment of cancer, in particular breast cancer, where over one third of patients are affected. Despite its prevalence, our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the condition is incomplete, and a cure remains elusive. A rapidly growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of modern surgical techniques in ameliorating the long-term disability and functional impairment inflicted by lymphedema on the lives of those affected. The mainstream acceptance of the efficacy of modern treatments for lymphedema, particularly the growing field of super microsurgery, has propelled the surgical management of lymphedema to the forefront of Plastic Surgery.