Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis for the treatment of recurrent cellulitis-associated lymphedema in the lower limb

Recurrent leg cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and result in chronic lymphedema. Antibiotic therapy is administered to prevent cellulitis; however, antibiotic-resistant bacteria frequently occur. Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) can play a role in stopping the vicious circ...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Chih Hsun Lin, MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-12-01
Series:Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468428721001854
Description
Summary:Recurrent leg cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and result in chronic lymphedema. Antibiotic therapy is administered to prevent cellulitis; however, antibiotic-resistant bacteria frequently occur. Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) can play a role in stopping the vicious circle by improving lymph circulation. In the present report, we have described the case of a 40-year-old male patient with frequent cellulitis and subsequent left leg edema. Based on the lymphoscintigraphy findings, LVA was performed on the left leg (six anastomoses). One year later, the lymphedema had subsided without further cellulitis. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed no dermal backflow. Thus, LVA is a treatment option for recurrent cellulitis-associated lymphedema.
ISSN:2468-4287