Successful management of persistent lower extremity lymphedema with suction-assisted lipectomy

• Main Authors: John P. Micha, Dung H. Nguyen, Bram H. Goldstein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2018-02-01
• Series: Gynecologic Oncology Reports
• Subjects: Lymphedema; Liposuction; Gynecologic cancer
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352578917301261

Introduction: Lower-extremity lymphedema is a significant complication attributed to gynecologic cancer surgery, potentially effectuating severe edema and discernible pain. Case report: We report on a patient who developed persistent, lower-extremity lymphedema following her treatment for cervix cancer. Despite repeated efforts to manage the lymphedema with conventional measures, the patient's condition had not markedly improved. Thereafter, she underwent a suction-assisted lipectomy that effectively resolved her symptoms. Conclusion: Since lymphedema often remains disabling and incurable following traditional therapy, suction-assisted lipectomy should be considered as an alternative when endeavoring to optimally manage this complication.