Surgical Intervention for Lymphedema

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, Volume 27, Issue 1
Author(s): Kristalyn Gallagher, Kathleen Marulanda, Stephanie Gray

Teaser

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive disease with no curative treatment. Breast cancer therapy is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the developed world. Treatment includes nonsurgical and surgical strategies. Conservative measures are reserved for subclinical lymphedema. Surgical options are divided into physiologic (to restore function) and reductive (to remove diseased tissue). Early stage disease is managed with physiologic procedures. Reductive treatment is reserved for moderate to severe staged disease owing to high morbidity. Surgical options effectively decrease edema and improve quality of life. However, further research is necessary to best establish management of lymphedema.


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