Cases, Cellulitis, Pain

The patient had undergone radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by radiation therapy 18 years previously due to cervical cancer. Post-operative bilateral lower limb lymphedema appeared and continued to exacerbate regardless of conservative therapy. Cellulitis with associated fever of 40℃ occurred four times a year and lymphorrhea was observed in the posterior crus and the medial thigh areas, greatly impairing the daily activity of the patient. We performed lymphatic venous anastomosis under local anesthesia two times, which resulted in improvement of the edema and the disappearance of cellulitis and lymphorrhea.

The patient had undergone right total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection followed by radiation therapy 12 years previously due to breast cancer. Right upper limb lymphedema appeared after the surgery and continued to exacerbate regardless of any conservative treatment. Cellulitis with an associated fever of 40℃ or higher occurred once a month in the most recent few years and the symptoms had impaired the patient from doing any daily activities. We performed lymphatic venous anastomosis surgery under local anesthesia followed by the continuation of post-operative conservative therapy. The patient’s lymphedema gradually improved and cellulitis is no longer observed.　

We also treat cellulitis, one of the complications associated with lymphedema, with a new procedure. It has been shown that lymphatic venous anastomosis can improve symptoms in about 93% of patients and reduce the occurrence of cellulitis to one-eighth.

Our presentation video in European Society of Lymphology 2014.

Pain associated with lymphedema has been found to improve in 96% of patients after undergoing lymphatic venous anastomosis. In our clinic, diagnostic imaging is performed for a definitive diagnosis of abnormal lymphatic function before starting treatment. We can refer patients to pain or mental health clinics as needed.

In hospitals and the like, patients are often hesitant to complain of certain diseases occurring in sensitive parts, including genital lymphedema, lymphatic vesicles, and lymphorrhea (leakage of lymph from the skin or vulva), and they are left untreated in many cases. In addition, there are few health care professionals who are knowledgeable about lymphatic vesicles. As a result, patients cannot receive satisfying treatment even though they see doctors. Our medical team provides treatment of genital lymphedema, lymphatic vesicles, and so on with a curative approach based on scientific data. Please feel free to talk to us about your symptoms. We recommend receiving medical care as soon as possible, since leaving lymphatic vesicles and lymphorrhea untreated can increase the risk of experiencing repeated cellulitis and worsening lymphedema.

We provide rehabilitation therapy with our affiliated health care providers for patients with severe lymphedema and those who are unable to receive adequate conservative treatment in their local area. The therapy can last up to four weeks, and patients will be asked to learn self-care they can also do at home. Key contents of therapy are listed below, and these are performed in an integrated manner.

・Learning compression therapy (stockings and dressing)

・Lymphatic drainage by therapists

・Exercise guidance by physical therapists

Our team of people from various professions will provide follow-up support for patients after they return to their home country so they will be able to have a healthier and more active life than before treatment.