Modified Seki Method for the Treatment of Lymphedema

Abstract

Summary: Lymphedema is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the skin and subcutaneous tissue owing to impaired lymph flow. This condition may be primary or secondary to other diseases. Most lymphedema occurs in the lower extremities, which greatly interferes with the activities of the patients, especially walking. Further, it may affect the psychological condition of patients. In Indonesia, several patients with severe lymphedema have visited our clinic. In our center, lymphography is not available. However, as our center is a provincial referral hospital, many patients with lymphedema present with severe conditions. Nonoperative and operative treatment is available, including lymphovenous anastomosis. Herein, we present the rare case of a 33-year-old man with severe lymphedema in his left leg for the past 7 years. The patient was diagnosed with stage III secondary lymphedema of the left lower extremity and underwent lymphaticovenular anastomosis using a modification of the Seki method (Seki 2015). Five large lymphatic vessels were identified using methylene blue, and a transverse incision was made approximately 2-3 cm from the skin to the fatty tissue under the superficial fascia. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis was performed using a microscope. On postoperative day 1, the edema in the leg shrank significantly, and 6 months after surgery, the patient's foot size began normalizing. The patient could wear pants and became more confident.