The Current State of Lymphedema Surgery

Lymphedema surgeries have been proven effective in treating lymphedema and are not considered experimental or unproven. The medical literature consistently supports the safe and successful use of physiologic drainage lymphedema surgeries such as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), and reductive surgeries such as suction-assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL) when performed by an experienced lymphedema surgery team to treat properly selected patients. Proper integration of lymphedema therapy is critical to achieving successful outcomes. We review effective lymphedema surgeries, their indications, patient selection, and the proper application of surgical treatments to achieve optimal results.