Thoracic Key

Key Points • The small bowel mesentery represents a donor site for vascularized lymph node transfer that contains numerous and redundant lymph nodes and has reliable anatomy with minimal donor…

Key Points • Intraoperative mapping of the right gastroepiploic lymphosome is valuable to identify critical flap components. • No-touch flap elevation will prevent damage to the flap lymphatics and microvasculature….

Key Points • Harvesting lymph nodes from the axillary or groin region may cause secondary lymphedema of the upper or lower extremity. • The main advantage of supraclavicular nodes harvest…

Key Points • The upper margin of the flap is designed at the lower border of the mandible to result in an inconspicuous scar. • Preoperative Doppler ultrasound and magnetic…

Key Points • Reductive procedures (direct excision with skin grafting or liposuction) alone or as an adjunct are effective in gross reduction of volume; however, they carry significant morbidity. •…

Key Points • A number of different donor sites exist for vascularized lymph node transfer that have near-equivalent success rates in improving the condition of patients suffering from lymphedema. •…

Key Points • The vascularized lymph node flap transfer from the groin was first introduced by Clodius in 1982 in two clinical cases. • Animal studies described the vascularized lymph…

Key Points • Lymphedema is more than mechanical insufficiency due to reduced transport capacity. Lymphedema is an inflammatory edema associated with an increase in the adipose content of the subcutaneous…

Key Points • Lymphedema (surgical) treatment is nowadays tailored to the patient’s needs and even more specifically to the local needs in one affected limb. • Lymphoscintigraphy and near-infrared fluoroscopy…

Key Points • The clinician’s role in lymphedema treatment and management is to provide the best diagnosis, treatment plan, and advice as to what will be the most appropriate approach;…