Lymphedema Surgery Eases Symptoms of this Common Cancer Treatment Side Effect

(video and information provided by MD Anderson)

Lymphedema is a common cancer treatment side effect that can lead to swelling, pain and sometimes infections. Lymphedema can be treated through noninvasive methods like massage, compression garments and physical therapy.

But if lymphedema symptoms do not improve a patient may need surgery. One type of surgery is called a lymphovenous bypass. In this minimally-invasive procedure, a plastic surgeon improves the flow of lymphatic fluid be redirecting it. Another type of surgery is the vascularized lymph node transfer. In this procedure, plastic surgeons take lymph nodes from one part of the body and move them to impacted area to reduce lymphedema symptoms.

Read more: Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment