Surgical treatment of edema

In past decades, conservative therapy was the only treatment option for lymphovascular diseases and oedema for many patients. For around 30 years, innovative forms of therapy using surgical treatments have been scientifically established, although some of them have not been sufficiently researched.

In addition to surgically restoring the functionality of the lymphatic system, plastic surgery also offers palliative concepts such as fat tissue removal for lymphoedema and lipoedema. The development of primary lymphatic diseases and lymphatic malformations in pediatric patients is also being researched clinically as part of a cooperation with the Human Genetics Department at Hannover Medical School (Dr. Spangenberg).

This working group is also involved in the differential diagnosis of lipedema and lymphoedema as well as the effects of multiple reconstructive measures (super-microsurgical lymphovenous anastomoses, lymph node flaps, but also the latest applications of collagen fibers to stimulate the growth of lymphatic vessels such as BioBridge®). Clinical comparisons of the results of different surgical procedures will be examined in more detail as the project progresses. The range of improvements also appears to be dependent on the initial stage: results are far better at an early stage than at an advanced stage of the disease. These findings are important on the way to successful treatment of patients.

The future of modern treatment of lipoedema and lymphoedema lies in the professional interaction of interdisciplinary conservative, medicinal and surgical treatment options.