Lymphaticovenular anastomosis to prevent cellulitis associated with lymphoedema

Journal article

Background: One of the complications of lymphoedema is recurrent cellulitis. The aim was to determine whether lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) was effective at reducing cellulitis in patients with lymphoedema. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with arm/leg lymphoedema who underwent LVA. The frequency of cellulitis was compared before and after surgery. The diagnostic criteria for cellulitis were a fever of 38·5°C or higher, and warmth/redness in the affected limb(s). Results: A total of 95 patients were included. The mean number of episodes of cellulitis in the year preceding surgery was 1·46, compared with 0·18 in the year after surgery (P < 0·001). Conclusion: LVA reduced the rate of cellulitis in these patients with lymphoedema.

Authors: Mihara, M; Hara, H; Furniss, D; Narushima, M; Iida, T

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: British Journal of Surgery
• Volume: 101
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1391-1396
• Publication date: 2014-08-13
• Acceptance date: 2014-05-09
• DOI: 10.1002/bjs.9588
• EISSN: 1365-2168
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• Pmid: 25116167
• Language: English
• Keywords: SBTMR