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Lymphedema is a chronic swelling condition characterized by swelling in the arms and legs. The main cause of this illness is the dysfunction of the lymphatic system. Cancer treatment, radiation therapy, or congenital abnormalities may exert this condition. It rises due to the accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues. In even more severe conditions, it can affect other parts of the body, too, like the head and genitals. Women are more susceptible to developing this chronic disease. While lymphedema can’t be cured, our plastic surgical team at Lymphedema Clinic, Manipal Hospitals can help rebuild your confidence with effective diagnostics and treatment.
The Lymphedema Clinic at Manipal Hospitals India is a dedicated clinic that aims to provide all-around care including the diagnosis and management of lymphedema symptoms. Our team of experienced lymphedema surgeons in Indiais committed to providing exceptional care and support to individuals with this condition.
Manipal Hospitals has always been assisting patients with lymphedema and other related conditions for 25 years. With this dedicated Lymphedema Clinic backed by expert plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities, we strive to improve the quality of life for our patients through innovative diagnostics and therapeutic modalities.
Consult our hospital if you need Lymphedema Treatment in India.
Chronic Lymphedema, or lymphatic obstruction, is a condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling (oedema). The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system and is vital for immune function. Lymphedema is caused by a blockage of this system. Factors like cancer treatment, radiation therapy, or congenital abnormalities may cause this condition.
Most patients with this condition develop swelling in the arms and legs. In more severe conditions, it can affect other parts of the body like the head, chest, and genitals. Women are more prone to develop this chronic disease as compared to men.
Heaviness or discomfort in the arm or leg
Pitting of the skin
(imprint remains after light pressure is applied)
Swelling in arm, leg, or affected area
Restricted movement in the arm or leg
Change in skin colour or temperature
Tightness of jewellery
Patients who are at a risk of developing lymphedema, are scheduled for an ICG scan in the OPD. If any early symptoms of lymphedema (splash or stardust patterns) are seen during the screening procedure, then appropriate treatment plans are recommended.
Our plastic surgery doctors at Bangalore employ fluorescence lymphography techniques. Early diagnosis using this technique can effectively manage symptoms, prescribe treatment protocol, and prevent the development of the condition. It is used to identify the health and functionality of the lymphatic system in real-time. This assists the surgical team in determining the precise extent and severity of lymphatic damage and the lymphedema phase. Considering these initial scans, doctors will immediately recommend highly effective treatment if any signs of lymphedema are detected. If the scan does not reveal any indicators at the initial assessment, patients are asked to come for a follow-up after 6 months for a repeat scan.
Consult our hospital if you are looking for expert lymphedema treatment centers.
Surgery to treat lymphedema is divided into two types.
Type I - Reduction surgery
Liposuction
Debulking surgeries like Charles procedure, swiss roll procedure
Type II – Lympho Modulating Physiological Surgery
Lymphovenous anastomosis
Nodo-venous shunt
Vascularized lymph node transfer
The recent development of the supra microsurgical technique (lymphovenous (LV) anastomosis and free vascularised lymph node transfer) has made it easier and more accurate surgical methods for lymphedema management.
The lymphatic vessels ultimately empty into the venous system at the base of the neck. If the fluid cannot get past the surgical and/or radiation site, access may be created by directly connecting the small lymphatic channels to small veins in the affected lymph. This bypasses the blockage and creates access to the venous system directly in the arm/leg.
The concept is to remove scar tissue from the affected wound bed and replace it with a transfer of lymph node tissue. The donor or harvest sites for this tissue most commonly come from superficial lymph nodes in the low abdominal region, from lymph nodes above the collar bone or omentum. This tissue containing lymph nodes placed in the wound bed will act as a new pump to collect lymph and pump it out.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is an intensive program with multiple components. CDT is divided into two phases: Phase I – Decongestion and Phase II – Maintenance.
Both these phases include:
Skin and nail care
Elevation
Elastic bandage compression
Compression garments
Manual lymphatic compression therapy
Lymphopress compression therapy
Lymphedema is a treatable condition. Consult a team specializing in lymphedema surgery soon after the diagnosis of lymphedema. This will put you on the road to recovery sooner.
