Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Advances in surgical treatment of lymphedema

  • Beederman, Maureen (Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Chicago) ;
  • Chang, David W. (Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Chicago)
  • Received : 2021.08.01
  • Accepted : 2021.09.06
  • Published : 2021.11.15
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Abstract

An estimated 250 million people worldwide suffer from lymphedema. In the past, the first-line option for treatment was nonsurgical management, either in the form of compression garments or wrapping, or comprehensive decongestive therapy, with debulking surgery reserved for the more advanced cases. However, with improvements in microsurgical techniques and imaging modalities, surgical intervention is increasingly being utilized. This review highlights recent advancements in the surgical treatment of lymphedema, specifically focusing on improvements in imaging, surgical techniques, and prevention of lymphedema.

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References

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