Free Vascularized Supraclavicular Autologous Heterotopic Lymph Node Transfers Without Skin Paddle for Lymphedema Lower Limb

Abstract

Free vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is one of the new and highly efficacious procedures in the cases of lymphedema. In this case, we present a case of lower-limb lymphedema which was managed by this procedure where a supraclavicular LN was harvested and transferred to the lower leg. VLNT from the supraclavicular region is a very effective treatment for physiological restoration of the lymphatic flow in established cases of lower-limb lymphedema because of well-hidden favorable scar and minimal chances of secondary iatrogenic lymphedema in the donor region unlike other sites such as groin and axilla. The VLNT should be preferred over manual lymphatic drainage because it is very effective treatment for physiological restoration of the lymphatic flow, however, the further analytical studies are required to confirm statistically the effectiveness of the same over other modalities.