Prophylactic Lymphovenous Bypass Procedure Following Inguinal Lymphadenectomy
This study investigates if lymphovenous bypass procedure (LVP) following inguinal lymphadenectomy (ILND) can help prevent lymphedema when it is performed at the time of surgery rather than after a patient has already developed the disease. Lymphedema is a common, chronic, and debilitating condition caused by a collection of fluid in an arm or leg. Lymphedema results in swollen limbs, often progressing to chronic pain and fibrosis. This sort of swelling can have an impact on patients’ everyday lives. This sort of collection of fluid in an arm or leg can also place a patient at higher risk for developing infections.The lymphovenous bypass (LVB) procedure, whereby obstructed lymphatic channels are bypassed surgically to provide a route for lymphatic fluid outflow from the limb, is the most commonly performed procedure for established LE. It can improve the symptoms and swelling that a patient experiences, although only rarely can the patient discontinue compressive garments, therapy, and precautions for the affected limb. Performing LVP at the time of surgery may help prevent lymphedema.