Approach to Lymphedema Management

Millions of people worldwide suffer from lymphedema. In developed nations, lymphedema most commonly stems secondarily from oncologic treatment, but may also result from trauma. More recently, lymphedema has been identified in patients after gender-affirmation phalloplasty reconstruction. Regardless of the etiology, the underlying pathophysiology involves blockage of lymphatic flow, resulting in lymph stasis, thus triggering a cascade of inflammation culminating in fibrosis and adipose deposition. Recent technical advances led to the refinement of physiologic and reductive surgeries-including lymphovenous anastomosis and free functional lymphatic transfer, which collectively encompass a variety of flap procedures including lymph node transfer, lymph channel transfer, and lymphatic system transfer. This article provides a summary of our approach in the assessment and management of the lymphedema patient, including detailed intraoperative photography and imaging, in addition to advanced technical considerations in physiologic reconstruction.