BMJ Case Rep 2018 Apr 19;2018. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Division of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan.

Cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa (CLC) is a rare form of cutaneous metastasis that causes lymphoedema and various eruptions. We report a case of lung cancer with CLC that caused both superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis and cervicofacial oedema, suggestive of SVC syndrome. A 64-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma presented with cervicofacial oedema and erythema, followed by severe dyspnoea 2 months after four cycles of carboplatin, pemetrexed and bevacizumab triplet therapy. Read More

Int J Surg Case Rep 2018 Apr 10;46:31-33. Epub 2018 Apr 10.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Bari, Italy.

Introduction: Secondary lymphedema is the most frequent long-term complication of axillary lymphadenectomy. It can result in complication as erysipelas, warts, Papilloma Cutis Lymphostatica (PCL), or angiosarcomas. Moreover, in women affected by breast cancer an accurate differential diagnosis among these conditions or complication related to radiation dermatitis or cutaneous metastasis is essential. Read More

Health Econ Rev 2018 Apr 16;8(1):10. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Practice for Lympho-Vascular Diseases, Bahnhofstraße 12, Hannover, Germany.

Background: Lymphoedema is a pandemic with about 250 million people suffering from this condition worldwide. Lymphatic diseases have considerable public health significance, but yet few professionals are specialised in their management causing a substantial burden on health resources.

Aims And Objectives: This study aims to give an overview of the approximate number of medical professionals, professional societies, institutions and companies dealing with lymphoedema in various countries. Read More

Gynecol Oncol 2018 Apr 13. Epub 2018 Apr 13.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan.

Objective: This multicenter phase II Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group study (JGOG1067) was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with node-positive cervical cancer.

Methods: Patients with stage IB-IIA squamous cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and were confirmed to have pelvic lymph node metastasis were eligible for this study. The patients postoperatively received irinotecan (CPT-11; 60mg/m intravenously on days 1 and 8) and nedaplatin (NDP; 80mg/m intravenously on day 1). Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2018 Apr 16. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

Background:  Vascularized lymph node transfer is an increasingly popular option for the treatment of lymphedema. The omental donor site is advantageous for its copious soft tissue, well-defined collateral circulation, and large number of available nodes, without the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. The purpose of this study is to define the anatomy of the omental flap in the context of vascularized lymph node harvest. Read More

Support Care Cancer 2018 Apr 12. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

Hospital Mar-Esperança, Parc de Salut Mar, Sant Josep de la Muntanya, 12, 08024, Barcelona, Spain.

Objective: Determine the changes in shoulder strength, shoulder range of motion, and arm volume in breast cancer patients treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) METHOD: Sixty-eight SLNB and 44 ALND patients were followed up from pre-surgery to 5 years after surgery. Primary outcomes were the differences between affected and non-affected sides for the following: shoulder strength measured by dynamometry, shoulder range of motion measured by goniometry, and lymphedema measured by volume. As a secondary outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed by the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for breast cancer (FACT-B+4) questionnaires. Read More

Sci Rep 2018 Apr 12;8(1):5921. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, 2608677, Japan.

Methods for quantitative analysis of long distance lymphatic transport of nanoparticles in live animals are yet to be established. We established a mouse model for analysis of time-dependent transport just beneath the abdominal skin to investigate lymph node-to-lymph node trafficking by in vivo imaging. For this purpose, popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs) as well as efferent and afferent lymphatic vessels, marginal veins, and feeding blood vessels were surgically resected to change the lymphatic flow from footpad injections. Read More

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018 Apr 12. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

From the Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases of Toulouse, Université de Toulouse (F.M., F.T., F.P., A.C.G., F.D.T., F.B., E.L., A.C.P., F.L., B.G.-S.) and UMR 1037-CRCT (N.T., J.G.-G.), Inserm, UPS, France; Department of Plastic Surgery (B.C.) and Department of Vascular Medicine (J.M.-D.), CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France; Department of Gynecology Surgery, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France (C.V.); UMR CNRS 6290, Rennes, France (R.M.); and CNRS, LAAS, Toulouse, France (K.G., D.D.).

Objective: Estrogens exert beneficial effect on the blood vascular system. However, their role on the lymphatic system has been poorly investigated. We studied the protective effect of the 17β estradiol-the most potent endogenous estrogen-in lymphedema-a lymphatic dysfunction, which results in a massive fluid and fat accumulation in the limb. Read More

Cancer Radiother 2018 Apr 9. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Radiotherapy department, institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.

Purpose: To determine the 3 years late toxicity among patients with non-metastatic breast cancer who received concurrent bevacizumab and locoregional radiotherapy.

Material And Methods: This is a single-arm, multicentre, prospective study, of the toxicity of adjuvant concomitant association of bevacizumab and radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Toxicity was assessed by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018 Apr 9. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is used by healthcare specialists to diagnose lymphedema. BIS measures limb fluid content by assessing tissue resistance to the flow of electric current. However, there is debate regarding the validity of BIS in diagnosing early lymphedema. Read More

Srp Arh Celok Lek 2016 May-Jun;144(5-6):288-92

Introduction: Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes very often present a site of metastatic disease. Inguinal lymph node block dissection is a demanding procedure, which usually requires at least one of reconstructive modalities. Among different reconstruction options we selected the tensor fascia lata (TFL) musculocutaneous flap. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):48-52. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Center for Molecular Imaging, Brown Institute for Molecular Medicine, UT Health, Houston, Texas.

Although nonoperative and operative treatments for lymphedema (LE) are well established, these procedures typically provide only partial relief from limb swelling, functional impairment, and the risk of cellulitis. The lack of a cure for LE, however, is due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and current research efforts are focusing on elucidating these processes to provide new, targeted therapies for this prevalent disease for which there is no cure. This article reviews the current literature regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie LE, as well as new and emerging therapies for the condition. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):42-47. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

In the Western world, lymphedema most commonly occurs following treatment of cancer. Limb reductions have been reported utilizing various conservative therapies including manual lymph and pressure therapy, as well as by microsurgical reconstruction involving lymphovenous shunts and transplantation of lymph vessels or nodes. Failure of these conservative and surgical treatments to provide complete reduction in patients with long-standing pronounced lymphedema is due to the persistence of excess newly formed subcutaneous adipose tissue in response to slow or absent lymph flow, which is not removed in patients with chronic non-pitting lymphedema. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):36-41. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Division of Plastic Surgery, Northwell Health System, Lake Success, New York.

Breast cancer patients are at risk for developing postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome of the ipsilateral upper extremity following treatment for breast cancer in the setting of an axillary dissection, postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy. For patients suffering from lymphedema who are also seeking breast reconstruction, combining an autologous abdominal free flap with a vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer provides patients the opportunity to have an aesthetic breast reconstruction as well as the potential to improve their lymphedema in a single operation. The present article aims to provide a description of the salient features of this approach including the preoperative preparation, the surgical technique, the postoperative management and complications, and a summary of the outcomes. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):28-35. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Advances in our understanding of the lymphatic system and the pathogenesis of lymphedema have resulted in the development of effective surgical treatments. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) involves the microvascular transplantation of functional lymph nodes into an extremity to restore physiological lymphatic function. It is most commonly performed by transferring combined deep inferior epigastric artery perforator and superficial inguinal lymph node flaps for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):22-27. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

The field of lymphedema surgery has witnessed tremendous advancements over the years and has been coupled to the rapid growth of supermicrosurgical techniques. A lymphovenous bypass or lymphaticovenular anastomosis is a new technique that requires identification of patent, residual lymphatic channels and performing an anastomosis to a recipient venule, thereby allowing outflow of lymphatic fluid and improvement in a patient's lymphedema. This article provides a summary of the maturation of the technique, as well as the technical aspects of the approach and the current outcomes in the treatment of postmastectomy lymphedema. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):17-21. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Department of Rehabilitation Services, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Complex decongestive therapy is the mainstay of lymphedema (LE) therapy. It consists of two phases: an intensive volume reduction phase, principally involving low-stretch bandages and manual lymph drainage (MLD), followed by compression garment use to maintain the reduction achieved. Adjunctive treatments include the use of a sequential gradient pump, LE-specific exercises, skin and nail care, as well as risk-reduction precautions. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):12-16. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Lymphedema Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Lymphedema often is confused with other causes of extremity edema and enlargement. Understanding the risk factors and physical examination signs of lymphedema can enable the health care practitioner to accurately diagnose patients ∼90% of the time. Confirmatory diagnosis of the disease is made using lymphoscintigraphy. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):5-11. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Precise knowledge of the lymphatic system normal anatomy is essential for understanding what structural changes occur in patients with lymphedema. In this article, the authors first review previous anatomical studies and summarize the general anatomy of the lymphatic system and lymphatic pathways in the upper and lower extremities. Second, they introduce their new anatomical concept, the "lymphosome," which describes how the lymphatic vessels in a particular region connect to the same subgroup of regional lymph nodes. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2018 Feb 9;32(1):3-4. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2017 Dec 28;5(12):e1622. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Madison, Wis.

World J Surg Oncol 2018 Apr 10;16(1):75. Epub 2018 Apr 10.

Service of Nuclear Medicine, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.

Background: When managing patients with cancer, lymphedema of the lower limbs (LLL) is commonly reported as secondary to the surgical excision and/or irradiation of lymph nodes (LNs). In the framework of lymphoscintigraphic imaging performed to evaluate secondary LLL, some lympho-nodal presentations have been observed that could not be explained by the applied treatments, suggesting that these LLL might be primary. Therefore, all our lymphoscintigraphic examinations that were performed in patients for LLL after surgery for gynecological or urological cancer were retrospectively analyzed in order to evaluate the frequency in which these LLL might not be secondary (either completely or partially) but primary in origin. Read More

Clin Dysmorphol 2018 Apr 5. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey.

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2018 Apr 3. Epub 2018 Apr 3.

Department of Human Genetics, McGill University.

GATA2 deficiency is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome that can manifest with myelodysplasia (myelodysplastic syndrome) with chromosomal aberrations and high risk of evolution to leukemia (particularly, acute myeloid leukemia); immunodeficiency with opportunistic infections; and/or lymphedema. It can be transmitted in families in autosomal-dominant fashion, or present de novo as sporadic disease in adults or children. The authors report a case of an adolescent male with features of GATA2 deficiency resulting from a complete monoallelic deletion, review chromosomal anomalies associated with this disorder, and discuss the management implications. Read More

Phys Ther 2018 Apr;98(4):277-281

Department of Radiation Oncology, Lymphedema Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 Feb 27;6(2):e1689. Epub 2018 Feb 27.

Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Unit, San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José, Costa Rica; and International Center for Lymphedema, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.

Although a large number of treatments have been developed for lymphedema, definitive management still remains a challenge for plastic surgery, because not all surgical techniques have a positive effect on every patient, and good results are difficult to reproduce. However, it is important to recognize the efforts that Professor Isao Koshima and his colleagues together with the Government of Japan are carrying out to spread information to the different countries on the newest surgical techniques available in current plastic surgery and to motivate young doctors in developing countries to create a microsurgery unit in their home country, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver real solutions to complex problems that were previously unanswered. As a result of this program, the authors present the first case of secondary lymphedema successfully treated with lymphaticovenular anastomosis in Costa Rica, Central America. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 Feb 26;6(2):e1679. Epub 2018 Feb 26.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shonan Atsugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan; and Department of General Surgery, Shonan Atsugi Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.

Background: Surgical treatment of lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) remains challenging. Application of the superior-edge-of-the-knee incision method for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is reported to have a strong therapeutic effect in patients with LEL because lymph-to-venous flow at the anastomosis is enhanced by knee joint movement during normal walking. We investigated whether a single LVA created by this method is adequate for early LEL. Read More

Can Vet J 2018 Apr;59(4):367-372

Department of Veterinary Surgery (Ji-Hyun Kim, H-Y Yoon), Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging (H Yoon, Eom), Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Sung, Jung-Hyun Kim), College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, #120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701, Korea.

A puppy was diagnosed with lymphangiosarcoma associated with lymphedema based on lymphography and histopathology. The lesions resolved after toceranib therapy, and the dog remains in remission 1 year later. This is the first report of a successful outcome following oral toceranib as first-line therapy for lymphangiosarcoma in a dog. Read More

Trends Biotechnol 2018 Mar 29. Epub 2018 Mar 29.

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address:

For a century-old problem, edema and its treatment have gone remarkably unnoticed by the biomedical community. Given the prevalence of lymphedema and its debilitating repercussions, there is an acute need for both efficacy-based measures and clinical standards to guide compression garment design and therapeutic application. This review outlines the current state of the art in compression treatment and suggests an integrated biomedical engineering approach going forward. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 May 7;108:82-84. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada; Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada. Electronic address:

Emberger Syndrome (ES) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by lymphedema and myelodysplasia. It is also associated with hearing loss. The genetic mutations associated with ES are not part of the comprehensive 80 gene next generation sequencing (NGS) panel. Read More

Am J Surg 2018 Mar 16. Epub 2018 Mar 16.

Legacy Cancer Institute, 1040 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97210, USA.

Background: Historical studies suggest no difference in disease outcome between neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches in breast cancer. We hypothesize neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) may offer several benefits, possibly improving quality of life outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective review of Tumor Registry data of breast cancer patients from 2011 to 2015. Read More

Int J Cancer 2018 Mar 31. Epub 2018 Mar 31.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan.

Lymph node (LN) transplantation is a recognized method for reconstruction of the lymphatic system and is used in the clinical setting to treat lymphedema. However, it is unclear whether transplanted LNs contribute to immune surveillance. In our study, we investigated whether a single transplanted non-vascularized LN, defined as a tumor-draining transplanted lymph node (TDTLN), could exert an immune-mediated antitumor effect. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2018 Mar 30. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.

J Surg Oncol 2018 Mar 30. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Background: For current lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA), the identification of "functional" lymphatic collecting vessels (LCVs) is mainly based on indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. However, some of the non-ICG enhanced LCVs utilized for LVA were found to have visual lymphatic flow.

Objectives: Should non-ICG enhanced, but flow-positive LCVs be considered functional as well?

Methods: A retrospective study with 56 consecutive lymphedema patients (8 male/48 female) received LVA. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 Apr;141(4):611e

MKA Breast Cancer Clinic, Tepe Prime, Cankaya, 06800 Ankara, Turkey,

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 Apr;141(4):616e-617e

Breast Unit, Hospital Sírio Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil.

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018 Mar 26;113(5):e170435. Epub 2018 Mar 26.

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease caused mainly by the Wuchereria bancrofti worm and that affects up to 120 million people worldwide. LF is the second cause of chronic global deformity, responsible for 15 million people with lymphedema (elephantiasis) and 25 million men with scrotal hydrocele. Its diagnosis is still associated with numerous difficulties, such as the sample collection periods (microfilaria nocturnal periodicity) and limited diagnostic kits. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat 2018 03;27(1):37-39

Department of Dermatovenerology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.

Chronic peripheral edema is a very common yet underestimated problem. It is of utmost importance to investigate various possible causes and understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic peripheral edema in order to determine the optimal treatment. This case report presents the case of a polymorbid patient with a deformity-causing type of rheumatoid arthritis and a 1-year history of progressive symmetrical peripheral edema. Read More

Biomark Res 2018 21;6:13. Epub 2018 Mar 21.

3Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA.

Background: GATA2 deficiency presents with a spectrum of phenotypes including increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections, multi-lineage cytopenias, aplastic anemia, leukemic transformation and lymphedema. Allogeneic transplantation is only curative therapy for GATA2 deficiency, but is associated with significant treatment related morbidity and mortality. Given the spectrum of clinical presentation, accurate diagnosis of GATA2 deficiency is necessary to identify patients early in their disease course when allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may be of clinical benefit. Read More

Patient Prefer Adherence 2018 16;12:399-407. Epub 2018 Mar 16.

Department of Business Administration, Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Sivas, Turkey.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to reveal the treatment outlook, usage habits, and factors affecting these habits, in addition to providing suggestions for solutions for patients who are frequently recommended the use of compression stockings as treatment for conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema, and pregnancy.

Methods: The study was conducted as a face-to-face questionnaire session with 1,004 patients who had previously registered at the cardiovascular surgeon's polyclinic of Sivas Numune Hospital between March 29, 2017, and October 31, 2017. In the study, basic criteria such as the patients' history, physical examination findings, and the use of compression stockings were evaluated. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2018 Mar 28:1-5. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

b School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, John Dalton Building, Manchester Metropolitan University , Manchester , UK.

Background: Chondrosarcomas account for approximately 20% of bone sarcomas, with the most common site being the lower limb. Hemipelvectomies that involve hindquarter amputation have previously been the treatment of choice for pelvic tumors. However, with advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, imaging and surgical techniques more patients are now being treated with limb salvage surgery. Read More

Wounds 2018 Mar;30(3):E36-E40

Medical Director, Wound Care Institute of Ocean County, Toms River, NJ; and Partner, Ocean County Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates, Toms River, NJ.

ntroduction. Chronic nonhealing wounds are a growing health care problem in the United States, afflicting more than 6.5 million patients annually. Read More

J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Mar 26;47(1):22. Epub 2018 Mar 26.

Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.

Background: Patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer are at risk for neck lymphedema, which can severely affect quality of life. Liposuction has been used successfully in cancer patients who suffer from post-treatment limb lymphedema. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at our center who have undergone submental liposuction for post-treatment lymphedema and compare their subsequent results with a control group. Read More

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2018 Mar 17. Epub 2018 Mar 17.

Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

J Surg Oncol 2018 Mar 24. Epub 2018 Mar 24.

Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

As lymphatic microsurgery has become more common, vascularized lymph node transfer ascended to the forefront in many centers for the surgical management of advanced stages of lymphedema showing substantial clinical improvement. However, no consensus has been reached among experts regarding many details of the procedures, including patient selection criteria, type of treatment, donor, and recipient sites and postoperative evaluation of the outcome. Here, we will review these issues and provide the current results of this procedure. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2018 Mar 23. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

1 Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University , Lund, Sweden .

Background: Lymphedema may affect patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and thus a disease-specific questionnaire is needed. The Lymphedema Quality of life Inventory (LyQLI) has been tested for reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to test the LyQLI for responsiveness and sensitivity. Read More

Arch Plast Surg 2018 Mar 15;45(2):171-176. Epub 2018 Mar 15.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.

Central venous stenosis is a rare cause of unilateral breast edema occurring in hemodialysis patients that needs to be differentiated from other differential diagnoses, including, but not limited to, inflammatory breast carcinoma, mastitis, lymphedema, and congestive heart failure. All reports of similar cases in the available literature have described improvement or resolution of the edema after treatment. Herein, we report and discuss the pathophysiology of breast edema formation in a patient who presented with massive left-sided breast edema 7 years after being diagnosed with central venous stenosis. Read More

Arch Plast Surg 2018 Mar 15;45(2):152-157. Epub 2018 Mar 15.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea.

Background: Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography can effectively detect functioning lymph vessels in edematous limbs. However, it is sometimes difficult to clearly identify their course in later-stage edematous limbs. For this reason, many surgeons rely on experience when they decide where to make the skin incision to locate the lymphatic vessels. Read More

Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2018 Mar 1:9922818766600. Epub 2018 Mar 1.

3 Ochsner Hospital, New Orleans, LA, USA.