Lymphatic tissue transplant in lymphedema--a minimally invasive, outpatient, surgical method: a 10-year follow-up pilot study.
Lymphedema is mainly characterized by swelling, fibrosis, and non-pitting edema. The aim of this study was evaluation of the long-term (10 years) effects of autologous lymphatic tissue implant in lymphedema. Lymphatic tissue from 9 patients (harvested form the same patient in areas not affected by lymphedema) was reimplanted into the affected limb, and these patients were followed for 10 years. Lymph nodes were harvested at the neck, axillary, or inguinal space (contralateral limb). Results showed that limb volume was decreased in the treatment group vs. controls. In ultrasound, black, low density, lymphatic spaces were visible in 100% of patients at inclusion but in only 23% of these subjects at 10 years. Thus, this early report proposes a new, minimally invasive method to improve lymphedema. Studies in progress will indicate the role of lymphatic transplant in the management of lymphedema and the best indications for this method.
Belcaro
Gianni
G
Irvine2 Vascular Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chieti-Pescara University, San Valentino, Italy. Cardres@abol.it
Errichi
Bruno M
BM
Cesarone
M Rosaria
MR
Ippolito
Edmondo
E
Dugall
Mark
M
Ledda
Andrea
A
Ricci
Andrea
A
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D045604:Extracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D011506:Proteins