Abstract
In lymphedema, we distinguish primary (congenital) from secondary (acquired) lymphedema. For both, the insufficient transport capacity of lymphatic fluid is recognized as main pathogenic mechanism. Lymphedema appears as a visible and palpable accumulation of fluid, which is characterized in advanced stages by progressive fibrosis of the surrounding fatty tissue. The lower and upper extremities are most commonly affected, but the head, genital region, or other regions may also be affected. The diagnosis of lymphedema is made based on the patient's history, clinical examination, and diagnostic equipment such as indirect lymphangiography and functional lymph scintigraphy. Therapeutically, the focus in lymphedema is on conservative treatment with compression, lymphatic drainage, and skin care. Alternatively, modern reconstructive microsurgery offers several options for lymphatic reconstruction such as lymphaticovenous anastomosis or vascularized lymph node and lymph vessel transplantation.
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References
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Campisi, C., Jiga, L., Jandali, Z. (2022). The Lymphedema. In: Jandali, Z., Jiga, L.P., Campisi, C. (eds) Lipedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86717-1_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86717-1_2
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