Advances in the autologous lymph node transplantation for the treatment of lymphedema

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.1674-3903.2024.02.010

Abstract

Abstract:

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and disabling condition that requires lifelong treatment and can occur anywhere in the body, most commonly in the extremities, with clinical manifestations of chronic swelling, local pain, skin atrophy, and susceptibility to infection of the affected limb. As an objective and repeatable imaging examination method, unenhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography can be used for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lymphedema, guiding treatment and efficacy evaluation. Great progress has been achieved in of lymph node transplantation over the past 10 years. Currently, lymph node transplantation is no longer considered an experimental procedure and has become a selective therapy in patients with lymphedema. This article summarizes recent advances in lymphedema and lymph node transplantation, including lymphedema, surgical indications, donor sites and recipient sites, surgical precautions and common postoperative complications.

Key words: Lymphedema, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Transplantation, Lymph Nodes

Shuo Chen. Advances in the autologous lymph node transplantation for the treatment of lymphedema[J]. Chinese Journal of Transplantation(Electronic Edition), 2024, 18(02): 123-128.

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