Lymphedema surgery eases symptoms of this common cancer treatment side effect

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.

[sonias]

I hate when lymphedema is called side effect. It's a debilitating illness which often could have been avoided.

[Vinaywrites]

My mother is facing this stage please help us we can't afford this treatment

[hebamarose]

Is it also effective for primary lymphedema?

[sharonauflick]

Does Medicare pay for lymphovenous bypass surgery? I had a radical hysterectomy and radical lymphedenectomy due to having cervical invasive cancer. I've had lymphedema for 22 years and had debulking surgery in 2014. Lymphedema was only in my left leg until a couple of years ago. It is now in both legs.