title: The use of a lymphatic bridge in the management of head and neck lymphoedema.
abstract: Severe progressive lymphoedema of the whole of the head and neck is almost always due to the combined effects of surgery and radiotherapy, compounded by repeated infections or recurrent tumour. The condition is difficult to control, and manual lymphatic drainage is the mainstay of management. We present a case of progressive lymphoedema following treatment for an occult squamous carcinoma of the head and neck, and describe the use of a lymphatic bridge to drain the facial tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Withey
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pracy
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rhys-Evans
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D013524:Surgical Flaps