Lymphaticovenular anastomosis to prevent cellulitis associated with lymphoedema

Abstract

Background: One of the complications of lymphoedema is recurrent cellulitis. The aim was to determine whether lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) was effective at reducing cellulitis in patients with lymphoedema. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with arm/leg lymphoedema who underwent LVA. The frequency of cellulitis was compared before and after surgery. The diagnostic criteria for cellulitis were a fever of 38.5°C or higher, and warmth/redness in the affected limb(s). Results: A total of 95 patients were included. The mean number of episodes of cellulitis in the year preceding surgery was 1.46, compared with 0.18 in the year after surgery (P <0.001). Conclusion: LVA reduced the rate of cellulitis in these patients with lymphoedema.