Does Bariatric Surgery Improve Lymphedema? A Scoping Review

Obesity is a recognized risk factor for lymphatic dysfunction and lymphedema, yet the burden of lymphatic disease among populations undergoing Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS) and the impact of MBS on established lymphedema remain unclear. We conducted a scoping review in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searching PubMed, ClinicalKey, and the Cochrane Library for studies evaluating lymphatic disease in bariatric populations or reporting lymphedema-related outcomes following MBS. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, consisting primarily of case reports and small case series. MBS was variably associated with reductions in limb volume and symptom burden; however, objective physiologic assessments frequently demonstrated persistent lymphatic dysfunction despite substantial weight loss. Current evidence suggests MBS may provide clinical improvement in selected patients but should be considered an adjunct rather than a definitive treatment for lymphedema, highlighting the need for prospective studies with standardized outcomes.