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Published:
Feb 27, 2023Keywords:
Lymphoedema, upper extremity, postsurgical, lymph node transfer, microsurgery
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Material submitted for publication in the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. Copyright forms will be sent with acknowledgement of receipt and the SAMJ reserves copyright of the material published. The SAMJ does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.
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Vascularised free lymph node transfer – a procedure for secondary lymphoedema management in South Africa
Abstract
Summary
Lymphoedema is a condition in which impaired function of lymphatics results in poor lymphatic drainage and an accumulation of proteinaceous fluid in the interstitium. Lymphoedema has a broad clinical spectrum, and treatment options must be tailored to individual patients. Microsurgery is becoming popular as a surgical tool to manage refractory lymphoedema, and techniques include lymphaticovenous anastomosis(LVA) and vascularised lymph node transfer (VLNT). VLNT for treatment of lymphoedema has had promising outcomes thus far. We present a case report detailing the use of VLNT for treating post-surgical lymphoedema in the upper extremity.
