Recurrent Advanced Lower Extremity Lymphedema Following Initial Successful Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: A Clinical and Histopathological Analysis
Article information
Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a physiological approach for the treatment of lymphedema. Despite the reported clinical outcomes of VLNT [123], its effectiveness in advanced stages is still unpredictable, with variable outcomes seen among patients.
Although donor site morbidity following lymph node flap harvest has been reported [1], significant complications at the recipient site have rarely been reported. Herein, we report an unusual case of recurrent advanced lower extremity lymphedema, after initial successful surgical treatment with a free submental VLNT [3].
A 54-year-old woman underwent bilateral pelvic inguinal lymph node dissection and postoperative radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Thirty-six months later, she presented with advanced secondary lymphedema of the left lower limb and a history of repeated episodes of cellulitis. A submental VLNT to the distal part of the affected limb was performed at another hospital. After six months, a substantial limb volume reduction was noted with no further episodes of cellulitis. Unfortunately, at a 1-year follow up, recurrent swelling of the entire affected limb was observed, which progressively increased in volume proximally to the transferred flap over the next 2 years. At this stage, the patient presented to our hospital for further assessment. Clinically, there was palpable fibrous, indurated tissue and a significant limb volume discrepancy in comparison to the contralateral limb. Surprisingly, the transferred flap demonstrated severe signs of enlargement. In addition, swelling was observed from the flap to the proximal aspect of the limb (Fig. 1). Lymphoscintigraphy revealed a lymphatic obstruction at the level of the transferred flap (Fig. 2). Following the clinical evaluation, we performed a further histopathological analysis of the transferred flap. A macroscopic examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes with a thickened capsule and fibrosis (Fig. 3). A microscopic examination with hematoxylin and eosin staining showed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the germinal center, focal vascular proliferation, and fibrotic changes in the lymph node (Fig. 4).
After the histopathological analysis, the patient underwent a modified Charles procedure [4] with extensive resection of the fibrotic subcutaneous tissue and the skin of the lymphedematous limb. Under the operating microscope, the transferred flap was subjected to a meticulous microsurgical debulking procedure [5]. In addition, the hypertrophic lymph nodes within the lymph node flap were identified and excised, taking care to avoid damage to the remaining normal lymph nodes and lymphatic channels. At a 9-month follow up, the patient did not report pain or any episodes of infection. She also reported a dramatic limb volume reduction and an improved ability to perform routine activities.
Physiological and excisional procedures have been described for the surgical management of extremity lymphedema [2]. The common physiological procedures include VLNT and lymphovenous anastomosis [12]. Liposuction and the Charles procedure are the excisional procedures reserved mainly for advanced stages [12].
During the past decade, VLNT has been widely employed in the treatment of extremity lymphedema because of its promising results [123]. However, the isolated use of this technique for the treatment of advanced stages of lymphedema still remains controversial. In the current case, the patient initially reported improvement after VLNT. However, at a 1-year follow up, the patient developed clinical features suggestive of a lymphatic obstruction at the level of the transferred lymph node flap.
The swelling of the transferred flap and the resultant lymphatic obstruction may be attributed to several reasons, such as infection, scarring, or stenosis of the pedicle vein. However, on the basis of the histopathological and clinical results, we believe that the presence of dense fibrotic tissue on the recipient bed and proximity to the transferred flap gradually reduced the improved lymphatic drainage initiated by the VLNT, as demonstrated by lymphoscintigraphy. The resultant edema could have perpetuated the vicious cycle of lymph stagnation, fibrosis, hyperkeratosis, and infection.
In the advanced stages of extremity lymphedema, clinical diagnosis, preoperative lymphatic imaging assessment, and selection of the surgical treatment are the cornerstones for successful outcomes. In our experience, in the cases of advanced lower extremity lymphedema, a combination of physiological and excisional procedures, such as the modified Charles procedure [4], should be considered in selected cases in order to improve the clinical outcomes and reduce the potential complications.
Although this communication discusses a single finding, to the best of our knowledge, this is thus far the first report of lymph node flap hyperplasia after VLNT. This case shows that VLNT is a good option for the microsurgical management of lymphedema of the extremities, as the patient reported volume reduction and no further episodes of cellulitis of the affected limb. However, we still need to understand more concepts regarding the physiology of VLNT in different stages of lymphedema more thoroughly, as the final results of this procedure remain unpredictable and vary among patients.
Notes
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.