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Comprehensive Approach to Management of Lymphedema

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Abstract

Purpose of review

This review provides a practical, evidence-based summary of lymphedema with a focus on its clinical management to guide clinicians in providing the most current treatment options for their patients.

Recent findings

The cornerstone of the management of lymphedema is adherence to appropriate general care measures and high-quality compression. There have been advances in invasive options using highly specialized operative techniques that either facilitate lymphatic drainage or bring new lymphatic growth to an area otherwise devoid of viable lymph tissue. For patients with more advanced disease, operative debulking can decrease limb girth and improve limb mobility.

Summary

Lymphedema centers involving multi-disciplinary care teams are equipped to provide patients with advanced diagnostic imaging, comprehensive non-invasive management strategies, and specialized surgical options to address their condition. Early referral to dedicated lymphatic centers with microsurgical expertise can provide patients with nuanced conservative and surgical options that have the potential to improve limb outcomes and overall quality of life.

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  1. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Shantum Misra MD & Brett J. Carroll MD

  2. Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Boston, USA

    Shantum Misra MD & Brett J. Carroll MD

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Misra, S., Carroll, B.J. Comprehensive Approach to Management of Lymphedema. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 25, 245–260 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-023-00991-8

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