Lymphedema is a common chronic and progressive condition complicating cancer treatment.
Patients undergoing lymph node dissection and radiation therapy required for oncological
treatment in breast and pelvic cancers are at high risk for secondary lymphedema.
Reconstruction of the damaged region with a fatty flap containing lymph nodes may
restore the anatomy. It has been postulated that the cytokines included in the fat
surrounding the nodes VEGF-c allow regrowth of the lymphatic vessels. Hypoplasic congenital
lymphedema are also positively improved by the autologous lymph node transfer, thanks
to the same principles.
Keywords
lymph node transfer - mastectomy - radiotherapy - melanoma - congenital lymphedema
- breast reconstruction - DIEP - SIEA
