title: Microlymphatic surgery for the treatment of iatrogenic lymphedema.
abstract: Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition that occurs after cancer treatment. Autologous lymph node transplant, or microsurgical vascularized lymph node transfer (ALNT), is a surgical treatment option that brings vascularized vascular endothelial growth factor-C-producing tissue into the operated field to promote lymphangiogenesis and bridge the distal obstructed lymphatic system with the proximal lymphatic system. Operative techniques for upper- and lower-extremity ALNT are described with 3 donor lymph node flaps (inguinal, thoracic, cervical). Surgical technique is described for the combination of ALNT with abdominal flaps and nonabdominal flaps. Imaging showing restoration of lymphatic drainage after ALNT is shown.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Lymphedema Centre, 6 Square Jouvenet, Paris 75016, France.
authors.forename: Corinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Julie V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Vasile
authors.forename: Joshua L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: Bernardo N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Batista
authors.forename: Rebecca M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Studinger
authors.forename: Constance M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riquet
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000637:transplantation*; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008866:Microsurgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C