Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Morbidly Obese Patients with Lymphedema.

ABSTRACT: Although patients with obesity-induced lymphedema can be treated by weight loss therapy, they find it difficult to lose the required amount of weight. The aims of this study were to clarify the characteristics of the lymphatic vessels in patients with obesity-induced lymphedema and to determine the feasibility and efficacy of lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) in these patients.

Methods

Twenty-two patients (44 edematous lower limbs) with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m² (obese group) and 91 patients with lymphedema (141 edematous lower limbs) and BMI <25 kg/m² were enrolled as a control group (nonobese group) and underwent LVA. The diameter and depth of lymphatics and the effect of LVA were compared.

Results

Lymphatics were detectable within 10-mm depth in

SUBMITTER: Yoshida S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7572113 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature