Reconstructive surgery
SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF LYMPHOEDEMA – MODERN MICROSURGICAL OPERATIONS
The body’s lymphatic system is one of the most important parts of the human immune system. Among other things, our lymph vessels and lymph nodes work around the clock for our health. For example, they intercept tumour cells in the lymph nodes or dispose of bacteria, foreign bodies and waste products.
This happens when the lymph flows from the superficial lymph vessels into the deep lymph vessels. From there, the lymph is channelled into the veins.
If the lymphatic system is disturbed, the lymph can no longer drain away. It builds up. This backlog, known as lymphoedema, causes the surrounding tissue to swell. The arms, legs or genitals are usually affected.
Lymphoedema – primary and secondary factors of development
Congenital malformations of the lymphatic system can trigger the development of lymphoedema. This primary lymphoedema manifests itself either from birth or from puberty onwards. Several parts of the body can be affected.
Much more frequently, however, lymphoedema is caused by secondary factors. The most common factors are tumours, operations or major injuries that have damaged the lymphatic system. Lymphoedema occurs on one side. Only one arm or one leg is affected.
STAGES OF LYMPHOEDEMA
Lymphoedema is chronic and progressive, which is why we would like to show you the different stages of lymphoedema. These stages of lymphoedema can be observed if the condition is not treated or if therapeutic measures do not work.
- Stage 0: Reduced transport capacity in the lymphatic system, not visible from the outside.
- Stage 1: Recognisable soft swelling in the tissue. After ten seconds of pressure, a dent remains in the tissue. The swelling subsides when the body part is elevated.
- Stage 2: Hardening of the skin and underlying tissue. Difficult to press in. The swelling does not go down even after elevation.
- Stage 3: Severe enlargement of the affected body part. With monstrous size (elephantiasis). The skin can keratinise. Often with complications such as eczema or erysipelas (a bacterial infection of the skin and lymph ducts).
MICROSURGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES – SUCCESSFUL AND MODERN TREATMENT OF LYMPHOEDEMA
In many cases, lymphoedema is initially treated with conservative treatment methods. These include compression therapy, medication or lymphatic drainage. But what can be done if these treatment methods do not work? In these cases, lymphoedema surgery can alleviate the associated symptoms.
Our specialists at the ETHIANUM Heidelberg rely on new, modern microsurgery procedures for lymphoedema surgery. Thanks to microsurgery, lymphoedema can be surgically removed or resolved. Two surgical techniques in particular come into question here. Highly developed technology meets highly specialised microsurgery experts.
MICROSURGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES FOR LYMPHOEDEMA
Lymphovenous anastomosis
- Superficial lymphatic vessels are connected directly to veins
- Impaired lymph drainage channels are bypassed
- The lymph can drain directly into the venous system
Vascularised lymph node transfer
- Technique after removal of lymph nodes in the armpit
- Several lymph nodes with skin and fatty tissue are removed from the groin area
- The lymph node is connected microvascularly in the armpit area
