Lymphedema
We offer the latest advancements to prevent and treat lymphedema in Indiana
Lymph nodes are an important part of your immune system that remove toxins from your bloodstream.
When cancer surgery or radiation damages lymph nodes, fluid can build up, causing swelling in the arms or legs. This is called Lymphedema. Lymphedema is most common in the arms of breast cancer patients.
Patients with breast cancer who have a mastectomy or lumpectomy with lymph node dissection and radiation have a 30 percent higher chance of developing lymphedema.
While lymphedema is incurable, it is treatable. It is even preventable through an innovative plastic microsurgery procedure called Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA). Only a few hospitals in the country, including IU Health, offer LYMPHA.
Understanding Lymphedema
Patients with breast cancer who have a mastectomy or lumpectomy with lymph node dissection and radiation have a 30 percent higher chance of developing lymphedema.
While lymphedema is incurable, it is treatable. It is even preventable through an innovative plastic microsurgery procedure called Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA). Only a few hospitals in the country, including IU Health, offer LYMPHA.
Symptoms of lymphedema can range from minor and manageable to severe and requiring surgery. Symptoms include:
- Localized swelling, most commonly of the arms or legs
- Pain
- Restricted limb movement
- Recurring infections
- Skin thickening
What are Symptoms of Lymphedema?
Symptoms of lymphedema can range from minor and manageable to severe and requiring surgery. Symptoms include:
- Localized swelling, most commonly of the arms or legs
- Pain
- Restricted limb movement
- Recurring infections
- Skin thickening
LYMPHA offers patients with breast cancer an option to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema.
The lymphedema specialists at IU Health are the only ones in the state who perform this surgery. Surgeons complete it at the same time as a lumpectomy or mastectomy when lymph nodes are removed.
During LYMPHA, highly specialized microsurgeons reconnect lymphatic vessels directly to veins to prevent abnormal lymph flow. LYMPHA may reduce the risk of developing lymphedema. It has been a successful prevention method for patients at IU Health.
How LYMPHA Works
Lymph node surgery in breast cancer treatment may disrupt lymphatic vessels from the arm and cause lymphedema. During the LYMPHA procedure, doctors connect lymphatic vessels from the arm to the veins. They use a surgical microscope to lower the risk of lymphedema..
LYMPHA for Prevention
LYMPHA offers patients with breast cancer an option to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema.
The lymphedema specialists at IU Health are the only ones in the state who perform this surgery. Surgeons complete it at the same time as a lumpectomy or mastectomy when lymph nodes are removed.
During LYMPHA, highly specialized microsurgeons reconnect lymphatic vessels directly to veins to prevent abnormal lymph flow. LYMPHA may reduce the risk of developing lymphedema. It has been a successful prevention method for patients at IU Health.
How LYMPHA Works
Lymph node surgery in breast cancer treatment may disrupt lymphatic vessels from the arm and cause lymphedema. During the LYMPHA procedure, doctors connect lymphatic vessels from the arm to the veins. They use a surgical microscope to lower the risk of lymphedema..
In the United States, breast cancer treatment commonly causes lymphedema. Compression and physical therapy are non-surgical treatments recommended for swollen limbs, but advanced lymphedema can be further treated through plastic surgery.
Lymphedema Surgery
IU Health is one of a few health systems offering microsurgery to treat lymphedema. There are three types of surgical treatment for lymphedema:
Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA)
LVA is the least invasive outpatient procedure available for treating lymphedema. LVA bypasses injured lymphatics by connecting lymphatics to veins.
Vascularized lymph node transfer
Vascularized lymph node transfer can improve lymphedema by transferring your own lymph nodes from one part of the body to the area with lymphedema.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical option to remove the abnormal fat deposits causing swelling in the limb. Liposuction can be used alongside a microsurgery or can be used for patients who aren’t candidates for other surgical treatments.
What are Treatment Options for Lymphedema?
In the United States, breast cancer treatment commonly causes lymphedema. Compression and physical therapy are non-surgical treatments recommended for swollen limbs, but advanced lymphedema can be further treated through plastic surgery.
Lymphedema Surgery
IU Health is one of a few health systems offering microsurgery to treat lymphedema. There are three types of surgical treatment for lymphedema:
Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA)
LVA is the least invasive outpatient procedure available for treating lymphedema. LVA bypasses injured lymphatics by connecting lymphatics to veins.
Vascularized lymph node transfer
Vascularized lymph node transfer can improve lymphedema by transferring your own lymph nodes from one part of the body to the area with lymphedema.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical option to remove the abnormal fat deposits causing swelling in the limb. Liposuction can be used alongside a microsurgery or can be used for patients who aren’t candidates for other surgical treatments.
If you are interested in discussing your options for breast cancer-related lymphedema surgery, meet with one of our physicians.
Find a ProviderIf you decide surgery is not right for you, we have a team that will partner with you to develop a treatment plan. This lymphedema therapy plan could include:
- Skin care
- Compression bandaging
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Therapeutic exercises
- Compression garments
Lymphedema has a large impact on a patient’s life and is a life-long disease. At IU Health, we work with you to develop a unique treatment plan focused on healing you as a whole person—emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Non-Surgical Lymphedema Therapy
If you decide surgery is not right for you, we have a team that will partner with you to develop a treatment plan. This lymphedema therapy plan could include:
- Skin care
- Compression bandaging
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Therapeutic exercises
- Compression garments
Lymphedema has a large impact on a patient’s life and is a life-long disease. At IU Health, we work with you to develop a unique treatment plan focused on healing you as a whole person—emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Infographic: What is Lymphedema?
Oct 14
Since January Lisa Carnes has been working with physical therapists at IU Health's wound care center to treat her lymphedema.
Patient Stories for Lymphedema
Oct 14
Since January Lisa Carnes has been working with physical therapists at IU Health's wound care center to treat her lymphedema.