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Published on: November 2, 2019
Simultaneous Bilateral Submental Lymph Node Flaps for Lower Limb Lymphedema Post Leg Charles Procedure
Ran Ito1, Miffy Chia-Yu Lin1, Ming-Huei Cheng1
1Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; and Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Abstract:
We summarize the case of a 59-year-old woman with left lower limb lymphedema for 4 years post hysterectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for endometrial cancer. She underwent the Charles procedure on her left leg 2 years before being referred to our hospital and developed several cellulitis episodes and progressive lymphedema affecting her left toes and thigh. Bilateral vascularized submental lymph node flaps were transferred to her left ankle and thigh, respectively. After a 5-month follow-up, the leg became softer and lighter without relapsing cellulites, and the circumferential reduction rates at 15 cm above knee, 15 cm below knee, and 10 cm above ankle were 23.3%, 50%, and 22.2%, respectively. The patient was satisfied with the functional recovery and discontinued use of compression garment postoperatively.

