title: Lymphedema: Surgical and Medical Therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Secondary lymphedema is a dreaded complication that sometimes occurs after treatment of malignancies. Management of lymphedema has historically focused on conservative measures, including physical therapy and compression garments. More recently, surgery has been used for the treatment of secondary lymphedema.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article represents the experience and treatment approaches of 5 surgeons experienced in lymphatic surgery and includes a literature review in support of the techniques and algorithms presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review provides the reader with current thoughts and practices by experienced clinicians who routinely treat lymphedema patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The medical and surgical treatments of lymphedema are safe and effective techniques to improve symptoms and improve quality of life in properly selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Chicago, Ill.; Barcelona, Spain; Columbus Ohio; and Seattle, Wash.|From the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences; the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center; and the University of Washington.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Chicago, Ill.; Barcelona, Spain; Columbus Ohio; and Seattle, Wash.|From the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences; the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center; and the University of Washington.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Masia
authors.affiliation: Chicago, Ill.; Barcelona, Spain; Columbus Ohio; and Seattle, Wash.|From the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences; the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center; and the University of Washington.
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garza
authors.affiliation: Chicago, Ill.; Barcelona, Spain; Columbus Ohio; and Seattle, Wash.|From the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences; the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center; and the University of Washington.
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Skoracki
authors.affiliation: Chicago, Ill.; Barcelona, Spain; Columbus Ohio; and Seattle, Wash.|From the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences; the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; the Department of Plastic Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center; and the University of Washington.
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Neligan
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D058128:Compression Bandages; D004322:Drainage; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000601:surgery; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome