Lower Extremity Lymphedema Research Articles

PSMA Accumulation in Lower Extremity Lymphedema and Hydrocele.

The development of radiolabeled small-molecule prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) inhibitors has advanced molecular imaging in prostate cancer. The use of 177Lu-PSMA is especially beneficial because its therapeutic β-emission combined with γ-radiation enables precise treatment and comprehensive imaging in patients with prostate cancer. We present a case of a prostate cancer patient who developed lower extremity lymphedema and hydrocele secondary to prior radiotherapy. Posttherapy whole-body imaging following 177Lu-PSMA treatment revealed dermal backflow with a notable accumulation of soft tissue in the lower extremities and hydrocele.

Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis as a Treatment for Neurogenic Bladder in Patients With Lower Extremity Lymphedema After Gynecologic Cancer Treatment.

Neurogenic bladder (NB), a complication of gynecological cancer treatment, entails significant symptoms such as loss of urinary urgency, incontinence, and renal dysfunction. To investigate whether lymphatic fluid stagnation at the pelvis causes NB, we investigated the effectiveness of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) for NB. In this retrospective study between 2014 and April 2024, LVA was performed on 52 patients complaining of preoperative urinary dysfunction with lower extremity lymphedema following pelvic lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer treatment. Pre- and postoperative assessments evaluated NB symptoms and volume reduction of lower extremities. With an average follow-up period of 35.0 months, the volume of the affected limbs was reduced in all patients. Symptoms of urinary function were improved in 44 out of 52 patients, as improved urinary urgency, disappearance of incontinence, and independence from self-catheterization. Among 15 patients who underwent pre- and postoperative questionnaire assessment of NB, the mean score of NB severity decreased significantly from 16.9 ± 7.1 points preoperatively to 4.3 ± 3.6 points postoperatively (p < 0.01). The specific reason for NB following gynecologic cancer treatment remains unclear. Our study results suggest that lymphatic fluid stagnation itself might be a reason for NB and LVA could reduce these symptoms.

MRI features of primary lower extremity lymphedema: a retrospective analysis of 228 patients

BackgroundThe value of MRI presentation of primary lower extremity lymphedema in assessing the severity of lower extremity lymphedema is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of MRI presentation in staging primary lower extremity lymphedema. Methods228 patients with clinically diagnosed primary lower limb lymphoedema from January 2018 to December 2019 in our hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Patients were divided into stages I, II, and III based on the 2020 International Society of Lymphology (ISL) clinical staging standards. Two radiologists assessed the following characteristics of the Short Term Inversion Recovery (STIR) sequence: the extent of edema (longitudinally and transversely), the frequency of MRI manifestations, including the presence of dermal thickening, and the morphology of edema (grid, honeycomb, parallel-lines, banded, crescent, and lymphatic lake). The Kappa test was used to assess interobserver agreement. The chi-square test was used to compare the frequency differences of MRI manifestations between different clinical stages. The Spearman test evaluated the correlation between edema extent and clinical stage. ResultsThe extent of edema was positively correlated with clinical stage, both longitudinally and transversely. When comparing stages, the incidence of dermal thickening in stages II and III was significantly higher than in stage I. The incidence of parallel-lines in stage I was significantly higher than that in stages II and III. The grid and banded sign incidence in stages I and II were significantly higher than in stage III. The incidence of honeycomb in stages II and III was significantly higher than in stage I. The incidence of lymphatic lake and crescent in stage III was significantly higher than in stages I and II (P<0.001). ConclusionSTIR can sensitively diagnose lymphedema and assist in clinical staging. MRI manifestations of primary lower extremity lymphedema in different stages have specific MRI features.

Atypical Milroy's disease with predominant unilateral involvement: a case report

Milroy's disease (MD), known as hereditary lymphedema type I, is a rare autosomal dominant primary lymphedema. It accounts for about twenty percent of all primary lymphedema. MD typically presents clinically with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Our case report describes a rare case of MD presenting with unilateral upper and lower extremity lymphedema in a patient admitted to our clinic. A 24-year-old woman who had been followed for lymphedema since the age of 8 was diagnosed with MD at our hospital by physical examination, venous Doppler ultrasound, whole-body lymphoscintigraphy, and molecular genetic testing. Partial improvement was observed with complete decongestive therapy, considered the gold standard treatment for lymphedema. Genetic counseling may be beneficial for the patient and family. Although MD is uncommon in the literature, many more studies are needed to identify carrier variants in the community.

Incidence of Lymphedema and Other Complications in Patients Operated on for Gynecological Cancer Including Utilization of Two Lymph Node Dissection Techniques.

Background: To assess the impact of the lymph node dissection (LND) technique on short- and long-term complications. This retrospective review included patients who underwent hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and pelvic ± para-aortic LND for gynecological malignancies (cervical, endometrial, and ovarian) from 2020 to 2022 in our Gynecological Oncology Surgery clinic. Methods and Results: Among 147 patients who underwent pelvic LND for gynecological malignancy, 48 had procedures involving scissors and 99 had procedures involving unipolar cautery. There was no significant difference in the numbers of extracted pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes between groups. The extents of LND were comparable between the scissors and unipolar cautery groups (p = 0.945). The scissors group exhibited less fluid drainage between days 2 and 5 postoperatively (1300 [600-3100] vs 1800 [600-3400]; p = 0.038). In terms of primary early and late clinical outcomes, there were no significant differences in lymphocele (16.7% vs 15.2%; p = 0.494) and lymphedema (18.8% vs 17.2%; p = 0.491) rates between groups. Conclusions: After retroperitoneal LND for gynecological malignancy, early complications such as lymphocele and late complications such as lower extremity lymphedema did not significantly differ between procedures using cold scissors and procedures using unipolar cautery.

Effects of Short-Term Educational Hospitalization with Multidisciplinary Approach for Lymphedema on Limb Circumference and Quality of Life.

Background: Lymphedema is an intractable disease requiring lifelong treatment. Daily self-care by the patient is essential; however, establishing care is often difficult. Our hospital offers a short-term educational hospitalization program that involves intensive, multidisciplinary intervention to develop self-care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. Methods and Results: Among the patients diagnosed with primary or secondary lymphedema who underwent educational hospitalization, 31 cases (33 limbs) were included in this study. The upper extremity lymphedema (UEL) index and lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) index were used for objective evaluation, and the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire was used for subjective evaluation. The therapeutic effects of educational hospitalization were examined before admission, at discharge, and at 6 months postdischarge. The UEL/LEL index significantly decreased for both the upper and lower limbs after educational hospitalization. In addition, the UEL/LEL index change rate from prehospitalization to 6 months postdischarge was compared between the continued and discontinued exercise groups; the former index showed significantly more improvement than the latter. Comparing the quality of life (QOL) assessments pre- and posthospitalization, statistically significant improvements were observed in all categories, including function, appearance, symptoms, and psychological state. Conclusions: Short-term educational hospitalization led to a sustained reduction in the circumference of lymphedema-affected limbs and an improvement in the QOL. The multidisciplinary approach resulted in improved self-efficacy and established daily self-care.

Limb Salvage and Treatment of Posttraumatic Lymphedema in a Mangled Lower Extremity

Summary: Post traumatic lymphedema (PTL) is a known complication of extremity trauma that is detrimental to limb form and function, healing, and quality of life. In cases of complex lower extremity trauma with vascular and extensive soft tissue injury, the risk of PTL is increased. However, many trauma patients are lost to follow-up, making the risk and potential management of these patients’ lymphedema difficult to characterize. The purpose of this report is to describe the successful surgical management of PTL secondary to significant lower extremity trauma requiring complex limb salvage reconstruction. A 43-year-old woman involved in a motorcycle accident presented with a Gustilo IIIB right tibial fracture and single-vessel leg. She underwent successful limb salvage with serial debridement, bony fixation, creation of an arteriovenous loop with a contralateral saphenous vein graft, and a chimeric latissimus dorsi-serratus anterior muscle flap. At the 5-month follow-up, she presented with significant right lower extremity lymphedema. She underwent lymphovenous bypass surgery guided by preoperative indocyanine green lymphography, which resulted in a 62% improvement in functional outcome measures, eliminated her prior need for compression garments and inability to wear regular shoes, and sustained improvement at two years follow-up. This case illustrates a near circumferential traumatic defect reconstructed with a muscle flap and successful delayed lymphatic reconstruction with lymphovenous bypass in the same patient.

Laparoscopic treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer: benefits of sentinel lymph node mapping and impact on lower extremity lymphedema

ObjectiveTo evaluate the lymphatic-specific morbidity (specifically, lower extremity lymphedema) associated with laparoscopic management of early-stage endometrial cancer using the sentinel lymph node (SLN) algorithm by type of actual nodal assessment.MethodsAn...

The Quality of Life after Endometrial Cancer Study: Baseline Characteristics and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Endometrial cancer (EC) patients make up the second largest group of female cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including quality of life (QOL) and sexual function and satisfaction (SF and S) are critical facets of survivorship. This prospective, longitudinal study assesses associations between baseline characteristics and PROs after treatment. Herein, we report the baseline clinical characteristics and PROs prior to treatment initiation. Outcomes post-treatment over time will be reported separately. Patients with planned surgery for EC were prospectively enrolled in 2019-2021 and administered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), EORTC QLQ EC Module (EN24), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), and the Mayo Clinic lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) questionnaire. This study enrolled 198 patients with a mean (SD) age of 63.6 (9.8) years and body mass index of 35.5 (8.3) kg/m2. No significant differences in the PROs for the QOL were seen when compared to the reference means (SD) except for the lower interest in sexual activity (31.9 (9.8) vs. 47.5 (SE0.70)) and lower fatigue (21.3 (19.8) vs. 31.7 (25.9)). Increased obesity was associated with an increased likelihood of LEL (p < 0.01) and multiple QOL scales, including poorer global health status (p < 0.01) and physical functioning (p < 0.01). Prior to treatment initiation for EC, the patients had a similar QOL compared to that of the general population. The patients with increasing obesity, a known risk factor for EC, had worse overall global health status and physical functioning. A better understanding of these QOL measures is imperative for earlier identification and intervention of patients at risk of chronic impairments from EC treatment.

Long-term outcomes of sentinel lymph node navigation surgery for early-stage cervical cancer

BackgroundSentinel lymph node navigation surgery, which identifies the sentinel lymph node in early cervical cancers and omits systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy in cases where no lymph node metastasis is present, has recently gained attention. However, there are few reports on lymph node recurrence and the long-term outcomes of cervical cancer surgery performed using sentinel lymph node navigation surgery. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of sentinel node navigation surgery for early-stage cervical cancer.MethodsOne hundred thirty-eight patients with cervical cancer were enrolled. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified by injecting 99 m Technetium-labeled phytate and indocyanine green into the uterine cervix. Surgery and survival outcomes were also analyzed.ResultsThe median age and body mass index of the patients were 40 years (20–78) and 21.7 kg/m2 (16.5–50.4), respectively. Open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery were performed in 77 (56%), 53 (38%), and 8 (6%) patients, respectively. The overall and bilateral detection rates of the sentinel lymph node were 100% and 94%, respectively. Only one case (0.7%) exhibited lower extremity lymphedema, and pelvic lymphocele was observed in three cases (2.2%). Four cases (3%) experienced recurrence over a median follow-up of 57.5 months (range, 2–115 months), with five-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates of 97% and 97.3%, respectively.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that sentinel node navigation surgery may be safe and effective for early-stage cervical cancer.

Results from a comparative study to evaluate the treatment effectiveness of a nonpneumatic compression device vs an advanced pneumatic compression device for lower extremity lymphedema swelling (TEAYS study)

ObjectiveAdvanced pneumatic compression devices (APCDs) have been shown to be effective in treatment of lower extremity lymphedema in the home setting. However, adherence to self-care has been poor, and APCDs require patients to remain immobile during treatment. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel nonpneumatic compression device (NPCD) for treating lower extremity lymphedema vs an APCD. MethodsA randomized, crossover head-to-head study was performed at nine sites in 2023. Patients were randomized to either the NPCD or a commercially available APCD. Patients used the randomly assigned initial device for 90 days with a 4-week washout period before a comparable 90-day use of the second device. ResultsA total of 71 patients (108 affected limbs) with lower extremity lymphedema were analyzed. Compared with the APCD, the NPCD was associated with a greater mean decrease in limb edema volume (a mean limb volume decrease of 369.9 ± 68.19 mL [P < .05] vs 83.1 ± 67.99 mL [P < .05]). Significant improvement in Quality of Life was achieved for NPCD and but not for APCD treatment (score improvement of 1.01 ± 0.23 [P < .05] for NPCD vs 0.17 ± 0.18 [P > .05] for APCD). Patients reported greater adherence (81% vs 56%; P < .001) and satisfaction with the NPCD (78% vs 22%) compared with APCD. No device-related adverse events were reported. ConclusionsThe novel NPCD is an effective treatment for decreasing limb volume in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. The NPCD was more effective than an APCD and resulted in superior limb volume decrease, greater improved quality of life, adherence, mobility, and patient satisfaction.

Optimizing strategies for lymphaticovenular anastomosis in lower secondary extremity lymphedema

BackgroundLymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has become an increasingly common treatment for patients with secondary extremity lymphedema. The objective of this study was to optimize strategies for lower secondary extremity lymphedema using LVA techniques, with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 121 patients who underwent LVA at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2020 to December 2023. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included intraoperative observations, functional parameters, and clinical outcomes. The efficacy of LVA was evaluated based on circumferential reduction, quality of life improvements (Lymphoedema Quality of Life Questionnaire), and postoperative complications. ResultsThis study enrolled 121 patients with lower secondary extremity lymphedema, with an average age of 58.19 years. The results revealed significant associations between incision depth, lymphatic vessel size, the number of LVAs performed, and the number of incisions per patient, all of which correlated with postoperative volume reduction. The resulted analysis that identified optimal incision depths of 10 to 15 mm, lymphatic vessel size of 0.4 to 0.6 mm, and a recommended number of 6 to 8 LVAs. After LVA, there was a marked improvement in patient quality of life, with particularly notable enhancements in functionality and appearance. ConclusionsThis study’s findings optimizing the strategy for LVA surgery recommend the depth of incision, the size of lymphatic vessels, and the number of anastomoses to improve the quality of life and limb volume in patients with secondary lymphedema of the lower limbs.

Primary LYmphedema Multidisciplinary Approach in Patients Affected by Primary Lower Extremity Lymphedema.

Background: Primary lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system, leading to its malfunction. Various surgical options, including physiologic and excisional procedures, have been proposed. The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive algorithm for the treatment of primary lower extremity lymphedema: the Primary LYmphedema Multidisciplinary Approach (P-LYMA). Methods: Nineteen patients were treated following the P-LYMA protocol. Patients underwent pre- and postoperative complex decongestive therapy (CDT). A variety of physiologic and excisional procedures were performed, either independently or in combination. The primary outcome was to assess the circumferential reduction rate (CRR). The Lymphedema Quality of Life Score (LeQOLiS), reduction in the number of cellulitis episodes, and complications were recorded. Results: The mean CRR was 73 ± 20% at twelve months postoperatively. The frequency of cellulitis episodes per year decreased from a mean of 1.9 ± 0.8 preoperatively to 0.4 ± 0.6 during follow-up. Two patients experienced minor complications. The mean hospitalization time was 5 days. Patients' quality of life, as measured by the LeQOLiS, significantly improved from 70.4 ± 12 preoperatively to 24 ± 14 at twelve months postoperatively. Conclusions: The P-LYMA algorithm maximizes surgical outcomes and improves the quality of life in patients with primary lymphedema. CDT is essential for optimizing results.

CORRELATION OF INGUINAL LYMPH NODE NUMBER AND VOLUME WITH LOWER EXTREMITY LYMPHEDEMA SEVERITY

There are very limited studies on the relationship of inguinal lymph node number and volume correlated with lower extremity lymphedema severity. In this IRB-approved retrospective study, patients who obtained an MRI for lower extremity lymphedema and who did not have lymph node resection or biopsy were identified. The MRI images were used to determine the number and volume of inguinal lymph nodes for each limb in addition to fat and fluid-based scoring using a validated grading system. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare the greater-affected limbs with the lesser-affected limbs. The spearman- rank correlation was performed on a ‘per limb’ basis for MRI-based scoring and clinical parameters with ipsilateral lymph node number and volume and for differences between the limbs. A total of 32 patients were included. The greater-affected limb had higher MRI fluid scores (median (interquartile range) = 3 (3 - 3) vs. 0 (0 - 1), (p &amp;lt; 0.01) relative to the contralateral limb and had a median fat asymmetry score of 2 (1 - 3). On the per-limb analysis, lymph node number and volume inversely correlated with total MRI scores (ρ = -0.47, p &amp;lt; 0.01 for node number and volume). The difference of lymph node number and volume correlated with MRI score difference (node number: ρ = -0.66, p &amp;lt; 0.01; node volume: ρ = - 0.64, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and perometer difference (node number: ρ = -0.58, p &amp;lt; 0.01; node volume: ρ = - 0.59, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Inguinal lymph node number and volume inversely correlate with lower extremity edema presence and severity.

Donor-site safety in microvascular lymph node transfer for breast cancer-related lymphedema using reverse lymphatic mapping—A prospective study

BackgroundVascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is one option among other surgical treatments in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). The cause of concern regarding VLNT harvested from the groin has been the potential development of secondary lower-extremity lymphedema. This study explored the risk of donor-site morbidity following groin VLNT, with or without concomitant breast reconstruction. MethodThe cohort comprised data from the Lymfactin® Phase I and II trials during 2016–2019, using perioperative reverse lymphatic mapping. The volume of the lower extremities was measured preoperative and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative, and adverse events were documented during study visits. ResultsAltogether, 51 women with a mean age of 55.5 years were recruited. The mean duration of BCRL was 31.8 months. Of these, 25 (49%) underwent VLNT (VLNT-group) and 26 (51%) underwent VLNT in combination with breast reconstruction (VLNT-BR group). The groups were similar in terms of age (p=0.766), BMI (p=0.316), and duration of BCRL (p=0.994). Across one year, the volume difference between the lower extremities changed by 22.6ml (ranging from -813 to 860.2ml) (p=0.067). None of the patients had a lower-extremity volume difference exceeding 10% at the 12-month follow-up visit. The most frequent adverse events were postoperative pain (17.7%), wound healing issues (11.8%), and seroma formation (11.8%). Most adverse events (64.6%) were classified as minor. ConclusionsThis prospective study demonstrated that groin VLNT with reverse lymphatic mapping appears safe and does not increase the risk of secondary donor-site lymphedema within one year postoperatively.

Hysterectomy with sentinel lymph node dissection in the setting of preoperative endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and an endometrial stripe ≥20 mm: a cost-effectiveness analysis

ObjectivesRoutine lymph node assessment in patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia is institution and surgeon-dependent without clear guidelines. We sought to determine if routine sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection at the...

Morel-Lavallee associated lymphedema treated with lymphovenous anastomosis: A case report

Morel-Lavallee Lesions lead to disruption of lymphatic anatomy that require early identification and may necessitate lymphatic reconstruction. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with lower extremity lymphedema resulting after a severe Morel-Lavallee lesion and treated using lymphovenous anastomoses. He was initially managed with multiple aspirations followed by repeat incision and drainage. At 10 months following his injury, he continued to have swelling of his upper thigh and developed a large festoon medially, with lower leg pitting edema. He was diagnosed with lymphedema via lymphoscintigraphy. His superficial lymphatic anatomy was visualized using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and showed diffuse dermal backflow across his thigh, with signs of altered lymphatic anatomy distally. We preformed two lymphovenous anastomoses at the level of his mid-thigh to bypass the lymphatic disruption and restore drainage to his lower leg. After rerouting lymphatic flow from the lower extremity, the patient had overall improvement of his symptoms and reduced swelling with continued therapy. At 5 months postoperatively, his volumetric lower extremity measurements showed a decrease by 314 mL and he began walking again in 20-minute intervals. Lymphedema may be an important consideration following severe Morel-Lavallee lesions. Using modern diagnostic and supermicrosurgical techniques, plastic surgeons can help treat this long-term morbidity.

The Possible Role of Lymphaticovenous and Lymph Node to Vein Anastomosis for Improvement of Milroy Disease Related Congenital Chylothorax and Lower Extremity Lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema is characterized by lymphatic dysplasia in which one variant is Milroy's disease. The association with congenital chylothorax is even rarer with poor outcome. This is the first report to utilize peripheral lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymph node to vein anastomosis (LNVA) for the management of such condition. Retrospective chart review of patients with Milroy's disease with complication of chylothorax between 2019 till 2023 was performed. Clinical assessment and radiological investigations were reviewed. Six patients with mean age of 12±3.9 years and disease duration of 10.5±2.8 years were reviewed. Three had ISL stage 3 while others had stage 2 late disease. All had bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and chylothorax with history of chest tube drainage. After LVA and LNVA, significant reduction in extremity volume was noted (p=0.028) along with near complete resolution of chylothorax was noted during the long-term follow-up (32 ±17.9 months). Milroy's disease complicated with chylothorax remains to be challenging. This is the first report utilizing peripheral bypass (LVA and LNVA) which resulted in improvement of both lower extremity lymphedema and chylothorax. The utility of this approach represents a promising modality in the management of this devastating condition.

Patient-Centered Outcomes of a Lymphedema Pump in Patients with Symptomatic Lower Extremity Edema

Phlebolymphedema is a challenging condition to manage, with limited options for effective treatment. For patients, this may be debilitating and lead to infection, loss of independence and affect quality of life. This study aims to evaluate patient-reported outcomes of an advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) in the treatment of lower extremity phlebolymphedema. Patients with diagnosis of lower extremity phlebolymphedema at an acute care facility within the New York City Health and Hospitals Cooperation treated with the Flexitouch (FLX) (Tactile Systems Technology, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota) APCD from December 2021 to March 2023 were evaluated. Patient-perceived subjective outcomes were assessed via a short questionnaire, with subsequent analysis using chi-squared test. Primary end points were subjective improvements in 1) swelling, 2) pain, and 3) ease of use of device as surrogates for patient satisfaction. Secondary end point was subjective patient-reported compliance, obtained by investigating 1) if patients were trained to use device, and 2) if patients were using the device. A total of 52 participants were included in this study, consisting of 30.8% male and 69.2% female patients with a mean age of 71.7years. While selection criteria did not exclude unilateral disease or alternative etiologies, we note that the entire study population had been diagnosed with bilateral lower extremity lymphedema in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency. Other patient characteristics including race, comorbidities and smoking status were documented in Table1. Table2 demonstrates the results of chi-squared analysis. This study noted significant patient-perceived improvement in swelling and pain (91.4% with P<0.00001; 85.7% with P=0.00002 respectively) and patient-reported ease of use of the FLX device (85.7% with P=0.00002). Additional secondary findings included a majority of patients reporting being trained on how to use FLX and also maintaining compliance with the device (69.2% with P=0.005; 67.3% with P=0.012 respectively). FLX APCD use has been found to demonstrate desirable patient-reported outcomes as a general trend. The participants in this study noted statistically significant subjective improvement in swelling and pain, ease of use of device and adherence to training and compliance with device. FLX appears to be positively received by patients, and the authors recommend its consideration for management of bilateral lower extremity phlebolymphedema.

Comparison of the rate of concomitant proximal venous stenosis between the upper and lower extremities in patients with secondary lymphedema undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis

BackgroundConcomitant iatrogenic proximal venous stenosis increases venous pressure and can be a risk factor for unfavorable outcomes of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) in extremities with secondary lymphedema. This study investigated the frequency and relevant factors of venous stenosis in patients diagnosed with secondary lymphedema who underwent LVA. MethodsPatients who underwent preoperative computed tomographic venography (CTV) and LVA for secondary lymphedema of the extremities from October 2018 to March 2022 were included. The incidence of proximal venous stenosis in the affected limb on preoperative CTV and the rate of endovascular intervention were compared between upper and lower extremities. Factors affecting proximal venous stenosis were identified through multivariable analysis using independent variables, including patient age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, radiation therapy, duration of lymphedema, and location of lymphedema. ResultsA total of 211 patients were analyzed, including 83 patients with upper extremity and 128 patients with lower extremity lymphedema. The incidence of proximal venous stenosis in the preoperative CTV was 32.5% and 7.8% in upper extremity, and lower extremity lymphedema, respectively (P < .001). The incidence of venous stenosis requiring endovascular intervention was significantly higher in the upper extremity compared with the lower extremity (16.9% vs 6.3%; P = .014). In multivariable analysis, risk factors affecting incidence of venous stenosis requiring endovascular intervention was the patient age (P = .007) and upper extremity (P = .009). ConclusionsPreoperative evaluation and treatment of venous stenosis in extremities with secondary lymphedema are necessary before LVA surgery, particularly in upper extremity lymphedema.