Chronic lymphedema – swelling of the tissue caused by stored fluid – can occur after tumor operations, operations on lymph nodes, infectious diseases or congenital malformations. The disease affects those affected both physically and mentally.
Up until now, therapy has consisted of wearing compression stockings, lymphatic drainage, movement exercises and skin care. These measures are helpful, but cannot prevent the disease from progressing.
A new, gentle surgical method has recently been used at the Ordensklinikum Linz, which improves the lymphedema in the long term. In a lympho-venous anastomosis (LVA), intact lymphatic vessels are connected to veins in the affected area of the body using a “super-microsurgical” procedure, allowing the lymphatic fluid to drain again. An example of this is breast cancer patients, whose lymph nodes affected by the cancer had to be removed as part of the operation. Around 20 percent of those affected develop lymphedema – as a result of the operation or radiation. “With the new technology, we can now restore drainage of the lymph fluid and improve the quality of life immensely,” say senior physician Viola Schöppl and primary Georgios Koulaxouzidis, head of the plastic surgery department.
more from health
Half of all cancer deaths avoidable through better prevention
“More sensitivity for children in crisis”
How meditation benefits gut health
These are the consequences of high cell phone use for children
My themes
For your saved topics
found new items.
info By clicking on the icon you add the keyword to your topics.
info
Click on the icon to open your “My Topics” page. They have of 15 tags saved and would have to remove tags.
info By clicking on the icon you remove the keyword from your topics.
Add the theme to your themes.
Source: Nachrichten
