Early Diagnosis and Risk Factors for Lymphedema following Lymph Node Dissection for Gynecologic Cancer

• DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e318277870f
• Publication Date: 2013-01-29T16:36:17Z
• Authors: Shinsuke Akita; Nobuyuki Mitsukawa; Naoaki Rikihisa; Yoshitaka Kubota; Naoko Omori; Akira Mitsuhashi; Shinichi Tate; Makio Shozu; Kaneshige Satoh
• Keywords: Lymphadenectomy; Indocyanine Green; Secondary lymphedema

Background: Although early diagnosis is important for selecting an effective surgical treatment secondary lymphedema, efficient screening test detecting early-stage lymphedema has not yet been established. Serial changes of lymphatic function before and after lymph node dissection risk factors are indicators. Methods: A prospective cohort observational study was conducted with 100 consecutive gynecologic cancer patients who underwent pelvic dissection. Lymphatic assessed by noninvasive lymphography using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging on a routine schedule. Earliest findings lymphadenectomy lower leg were investigated. Results: Atypical transient dermal backflow patterns observed in postoperative period 50 cases, all which disappeared within 3 months. Of these patterns, the splash pattern 31 patients, five improved to normal following natural course. In contrast, stardust 27 none had conservative therapy. Postoperative radiotherapy significant factor pattern. Conclusions: All undergo malignancies should be examined extremity qualitative evaluation methods schedule determine earliest possible diagnosis. Because reversible disorder course, treatments recommended. The decision regarding can made observing CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.