Combined physiologic and excisional therapies improve cancer‐related lymphedema outcomes

Abstract

Treating lymphedema with VLNT followed by SAL may be more effective than using either procedure alone. Prior to treatment, patients reported an average of 1.8 infectious episodes but only 1 patient had a single episode after VLNT and prior to SAL. In addition to the near‐complete reduction in the excess limb size and the absence of infections after the second stage of the treatment, patients were able to maintain these favorable outcomes at an average follow‐up of 23.5 months.