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Background Posttraumatic lymphedema (PTL) is sparsely described in the literature. The aim of this study is to propose a comprehensive approach for prevention and treatment of PTL using lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymphatic vessels free flap, reporting our experience in the management of early-stage lymphedema. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed between October 2017 and July 2022. Functional assessment with magnetic resonance lymphangiography and indocyanine green lymphography was performed. Patients with lymphedema and functional lymphatic channels were included. Cases with limited soft tissue damage were proposed for LVA, and those with acute or prior soft tissue damage needing skin reconstruction were proposed for superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator lymphatic vessels free flap (SCIP-LV) to treat or prevent lymphedema. Primary and secondary outcomes were limb volume reduction and quality of life (QoL) improvement, respectively. Follow-up was at least 1 year. Results Twenty-eight patients were operated using this approach during the study period. LVA were performed in 12 patients; mean reduction of excess volume (REV) was 58.82% and the improvement in QoL was 49.25%. SCIP-LV was performed in seven patients with no flap failure; mean REV was 58.77% and the improvement QoL was 50.9%. Nine patients with acute injury in lymphatic critical areas were reconstructed with SCIP-LV as a preventive approach and no lymphedema was detected. Conclusion Our comprehensive approach provides an organized way to treat patients with PTL, or at risk of developing it, to have satisfactory results and improve their QoL.
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BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic, progressive and underdiagnosed condition characterized by bilateral, disproportionate and painful subcutaneous fat accumulation in extremities. Key symptoms include pain, heaviness and easy bruising. Surgical treatment, particularly liposuction, has shown excellent outcomes in symptom reduction and quality of life improvement. This study evaluates clinical outcomes in symptoms and aesthetic self-perception improvements in patients treated with selective combined liposuction (SCL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 126 female patients who underwent surgical treatment over a four-year period was performed. Selective tumescent liposuction combining power-assisted liposuction (PAL) with VASER (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) for proximal areas, especially the thighs. Demographic and clinical data, including BMI, medical history and comorbidities were analyzed. Symptoms such as pain, heaviness and edema, and body image perception were assessed preoperatively and six months postoperatively with a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 39 years, with a mean BMI of 27.2. The mean aspirated volume was 3270 mL per procedure. In 25.4% of the cases (n=32), a second procedure was required, with an average total aspirated volume of 5150 mL. Significant symptom improvement was observed: 89% reported reduced pain, 92% reduced heaviness, 82% reduced edema. Mobility limitations improved in 91% of patients, while 60% reported enhanced aesthetic perception of their extremities. Additionally, 68% of patients expanded their wardrobe postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Selective combined liposuction is a safe and highly effective technique for lipedema treatment, providing substantial symptom relief, improved body aesthetic self-perception, which leads to an improvement in the quality of life.
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Abstract Background Lipedema is a chronic, incurable disorder characterized by painful fat accumulation in the extremities. While the application of liposuction in lipedema management has become increasingly popular, the safety and effectiveness of this approach remain contentious. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess various liposuction modalities in lipedema management to verify their safety and efficacy. Methods In-line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, we performed a comprehensive literature review from inception until March 2023 using the following electronic databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Results From the 562 initially identified articles, 20 met our inclusion/exclusion criteria for evaluation. Our review encompassed 14 prospective cohort studies, 3 retrospective studies, 2 case series, and 1 cross-sectional study. A meta-analysis of nine articles revealed a notable improvement in the quality of life, pain, pressure sensitivity, bruising, cosmetic impairment, heaviness, walking difficulty, and itching among lipedema patients who underwent liposuction. Although complications such as inflammation, thrombosis, seroma, hematoma, and lymphedema-related skin changes were reported, severe complications were rare. Crucially, no instances of shock, recurrence, or mortality were reported. Conclusion Liposuction is a safe and beneficial therapeutic intervention for managing lipedema symptoms and enhancing quality of life. However, the impact of liposuction on secondary lymphedema remains unreported in the literature. Further high-quality, large-scale trials are necessary to assess the safety and effectiveness of different liposuction modalities. These studies will contribute valuable insights to optimize liposuction as a therapeutic option for individuals with lipedema. Level of Evidence I, risk/prognostic study.
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- Lipedema (3)
- Open Access (3)
- Review (3)
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- Journal Article (4)
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