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Lymph Node Transfer to Proximal Extremity

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Lymphedema

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Abstract

Vascularized lymph node transfer to proximal extremity aims to restore physiological lymphatic flow. The main indication for VLNT is secondary lymphedema. It also seems to be beneficial in treatment of chronic pain, neuromas, and brachial plexus neuropathies associated with breast cancer surgery. Wide scar release is an essential step when preparing the recipient site. The most common donor site for a lymph node flap is the inguinal area. It is important to minimize the potential risk of donor-area swelling. Other potential complications include seroma formation and persistent donor-site pain. VLNT is still considered as experimental surgery, and the patient should be informed that complete cure cannot be promised.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

    Heli Kavola M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland

    Sinikka Suominen M.D., Ph.D.

  3. Department of Plastic Surgery, Toolo Hospital, Topeliuksen katu 5, Helsinki, 00260, Finland

    Anne Saarikko M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Heli Kavola M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Sinikka Suominen M.D., Ph.D.
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  3. Anne Saarikko M.D., Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anne Saarikko M.D., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Arin K. Greene

  2. Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA

    Sumner A. Slavin

  3. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden

    HÃ¥kan Brorson

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© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Kavola, H., Suominen, S., Saarikko, A. (2015). Lymph Node Transfer to Proximal Extremity. In: Greene, A., Slavin, S., Brorson, H. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14493-1_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14493-1_24

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-14492-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-14493-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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