How to Get Started Performing Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis to Treat Lymphedema

Recent advancements in microsurgery and supermicrosurgery have made effective lymphedema treatment a surgical reality. When comparing the 2 currently available procedures, lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer, vascularized lymph node transfer is more frequently performed owing to technical unfamiliarity with supermicrosurgery and uncertainty in patient selection, technical execution, and procedural outcome. To date, the author has performed more than 250 cases of supermicrosurgical LVAs. In this article, the author shares his approach in technical acquisition, how to get over the learning curve using a simulation model, patient selection, LVA-specific technical pearls, outcome assessment, and finally how to team up with other lymphedema-related specialists. After reading this paper, the readers should have enough knowledge to get started building a surgical lymphedema program.