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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
Surgical Intervention for Lymphedema
Kristalyn Gallagher1, Kathleen Marulanda1, Stephanie Gray1
1Department of Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7213, 1150 POB, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7123, USA.
Abstract:
Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive disease with no curative treatment. Breast cancer therapy is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the developed world. Treatment includes nonsurgical and surgical strategies. Conservative measures are reserved for subclinical lymphedema. Surgical options are divided into physiologic (to restore function) and reductive (to remove diseased tissue). Early stage disease is managed with physiologic procedures. Reductive treatment is reserved for moderate to severe staged disease owing to high morbidity. Surgical options effectively decrease edema and improve quality of life. However, further research is necessary to best establish management of lymphedema.
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