Lymphedema surgery at UTHealth Houston
Lymphedema surgery specialists provide expert care for severe cases of lymphedema.
Comprehensive care for lymphedema patients
Our surgeons, specially trained in the latest microsurgery instruments and techniques, are part of a team of experts skilled in treating lymphedema.
What is lymphedema?
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What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is best described as abnormal swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in the body. It can be caused by cancer or cancer treatments. For instance, a cancerous tumor can grow large enough to block the lymph system. Surgery to remove cancer, including lymph node removal, can also cause fluid buildup. Radiation treatment can also cause excess fluid to accumulate.
Lymphedema increases the risk of infection in the affected area, and wounds may be slower to heal. It can also lead to thickening and hardening of the skin.
Symptoms
Swelling is the most common symptom of lymphedema and can occur in the arm, leg, breast, or other body parts. Other symptoms may include:
- A tingling sensation
- A feeling of tightness, heaviness, or fullness
- Repeated infections
- Decreased mobility of the affected body part
- Pain
Diagnosis
If lymphedema is suspected, imaging tests may be ordered. These can include:
- MRI imaging
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Ultrasound
- Lymphoscintigraphy, a test that uses radioactive dye to see lymph vessel blockage
Treatment Options
Treating lymphedema typically begins with nonsurgical treatments such as compression sleeves, diet and exercise modifications, elevating the affected body part, and infection prevention. More advanced cases of lymphedema may require surgery.
Surgical treatment options include:
- Lymphovenous bypass: A minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use microsurgery instruments and techniques to reroute blockages in the lymphatic system by connecting the lymphatics to small nearby veins as a detour around the blockage, decreasing swelling and improving symptoms.
- Vascularized lymph node transfer: Surgeons remove healthy lymph nodes from another part of the body and transplant them to the affected area, along with their blood supply, using microsurgery techniques, improving lymphatic drainage.
- Liposuction debulking procedure: Surgeons use liposuction to remove fat cells and scar tissue formed by lymphatic fluid that’s leaked into surrounding tissue, debulking the affected body part.
Our specialist
Annie M. Wang, MD, is a highly skilled plastic surgeon with advanced training in reconstructive microsurgery. She has the expertise to repair delicate vessels to relieve swelling.
