Treatment of gynaecological cancer related lower limb lymphoedema with liposuction

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology Vol. 151; no. 3; pp. 460 - 465
• Main Authors: McGee, Pauline, Munnoch, David Alex
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female - complications; Genital Neoplasms, Female - surgery; Gynaecological malignancies; Humans; Lipectomy - methods; Liposuction; Lower Extremity - pathology; Lower Extremity - surgery; Lymphedema - pathology; Lymphedema - surgery; Lymphoedema; Middle Aged; Secondary lymphedema; Surgery for lymphoedema; Lymphoedema; Liposuction; Surgery for lymphoedema; Secondary lymphedema; Gynaecological malignancies
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.09.029

To evaluate outcomes in patients with gynaecological cancer related lymphoedema treated with liposuction. A prospective analysis of 21 patients who underwent liposuction followed by compression therapy for chronic unilateral lower limb lymphoedema with up to 8 years follow up was performed. Duration of lymphoedema prior to liposuction ranged from 4 to 28 years (mean 15.2 years). The mean age at time of liposuction was 52 years (range 37–67). Estimated volume excess in the affected limb ranged from 1.6 to 12 l (mean 4.7 l). The mean percentage reduction was 92.6% at 6 months (range 59.4–159.9) and 88.9% (range 60.9–127.5) at 1 year. Longer term follow-up of 6 patients at 5 years post-liposuction revealed a mean percentage reduction of 113.6% (range 83.5–155.5). Our experience of liposuction combined with compression garments has demonstrated significant and sustainable reduction in limb volume in patients with lower limb lymphoedema secondary to gynaecological malignancy. •Lower limb lymphoedema is a serious consequence of treatment for gynaecological malignancies.•Fat hypertrophy is associated with chronic accumulation of inflammatory fluid.•Excess fat is removed through circumferential liposuction.•Liposuction and compression therapy produces a sustainable reduction in limb volume.