[Lymphatic Surgery as Part of the Orthoplastic Concept Post-traumatic Lymphoedema]

The development of secondary lymphoedema is a relevant and frequently observed complication following surgical procedures or trauma. However, one of the main problems is that it is usually not diagnosed or diagnosed very late, resulting in inadequate treatment in many cases. In addition, precise epidemiological data on the incidence of secondary lymphoedema remains scarce. However, delayed or inadequate treatment of secondary lymphoedema usually leads to symptom progression and promotes a chronic course. This underlines the importance of early and accurate diagnosis to guide therapeutic measures and prevent long-term complications. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of the lymphatic system, describes the mechanisms underlying the development of post-traumatic lymphoedema, and highlights the role of infections. In addition, it presents the most relevant classification systems, including clinical and imaging-based systems such as Yamamoto's. Current conservative and surgical treatment options are also explained. Interdisciplinary management with modern microsurgical techniques can significantly improve patient prognosis.